Conor McGregor Vacates Featherweight Title, Jose Aldo Promoted

Following the now-confirmed reports of Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis for the interim title at UFC 206, one big question remained unanswered. What will happen to the featherweight titles? Jose Aldo currently holds the interim belt after beating Frankie Edgar, and Conor McGregor still holds the championship he won from ‘Scarface’ at UFC 194. Further complicating matters, ‘The Notorious’ defeated Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight strap at UFC 205.

McGregor claimed he would defend both titles after beating Alvarez, but his announcement of a six-month break put those ideas in question. Then came the issue with Daniel Cormier and UFC 206. As is often the case, a ripple effect impacted multiple divisions, and ‘DC’s’ injury essentially sealed the deal for McGregor. Needing a big fight, the promotion set Holloway vs. Pettis for the junior belt. The winner will face Aldo sometime in 2017. The Brazilian was promoted to the full champ, meaning the Irishman was left with no choice but to vacate.

Official Statement

As per the UFC, an official statement on Conor McGregor vacating the featherweight belt:

“UFC announced on Saturday that world lightweight champion Conor McGregor has vacated his featherweight title and opted to keep the 155-pound title he won by defeating Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 on Nov. 12,”

“Interim featherweight title holder Jose Aldo has now been elevated to undisputed champion, and following these developments, the interim UFC featherweight title will be on the line on Saturday, Dec. 10, as Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis battle for championship gold in the new main event of UFC 206,”

“The winner of the five-round bout, which will be held at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, will face Aldo in 2017 for the unified belt.”

Part 2? Not at 145…

Unless Jose Aldo decides to move up to lightweight, his rematch with Conor McGregor is now pretty much dead in the water. With Holloway and Pettis the next options for ‘Scarface,’ the coming six months will prove pivotal in the divisions future. Now McGregor has relinquished the title, things can move forward, but will Aldo receive the same stick that Cormier has for not defeating the man who beat him, yet still being the champion?