This move makes no sense for him. Really all he has to do is probably exercise some patience. Conor's fight with Eddie is just around the corner. If he loses which a lot of people seem to think he will, well now Jose is in a great spot. The only fight really Conor could have that would sell big-time would be that rematch. If he fights Nate again, then he loses his belt for sure. He's not fighting another light weight if he loses this fight. Now if he wins the fight then Jose must fight someone else and win impressively. He can continue on as the champion of that division while Conor fights at lightweight. Or he could even go up to lightweight and chase him down there. Lots of options here for him. But quitting. Walking away. Hurts his legacy immeasurably.