We always knew it could happen but the optimists in all of us thought that we’d finally see the realisation of McGregor v Aldo on July 11.
Well we now know for a fact that that won’t happen because UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has officially withdrawn from UFC 189 due to the rib injury sustained in training last week.
Conor McGregor will now take on Chad Mendes, who the UFC had put in place as a contingency plan, for an interim title instead.
UFC president Dana White broke the news on ESPN tonight, with McGregor present.
“Andre Pederneiras, his coach, called and basically said that Aldo’s rib is too painful, and he will not be fighting,” White said. “So Chad Mendes now will fight Conor McGregor for the interim belt.
“Jose Aldo’s pulled out of five title fights. Conor’s ready to go. The No. 1 guy in the world, Chad Mendes, is ready to go. So it makes sense. They’ll fight for the interim title, and whenever Jose Aldo is ready, then that fight can happen to unify.
“It’s his decision. I don’t feel great about it. We’ve spent a lot of money promoting this fight. A lot of people are excited about the fight, so it’s definitely disappointing.”
Conor McGregor vs Chad Mendes for the interim featherweight title on July 11 LIVE on PPV!!! pic.twitter.com/egV7zvUoO9
— Dana White (@danawhite) July 1, 2015
We’re led to believe that the interim title fight will remain as main event at UFC 189 despite the fact that Robbie Lawler is putting his undisputed welterweight championship on the line against Rory MacDonald although that could change when the UFC begin some last minute promotion for their new bout.
