After a week of speculation, it has been revealed that UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has officially withdrawn from his UFC 189 title defence against Conor McGregor on July 11.
The Brazilian suffered a rib injury during a sparring session at Nova União, reportedly last Tuesday.
When the news leaked, and the world of mixed martial arts was flung into panic, UFC President Dana White announced that #2 ranked 145lber Chad Mendes would be on stand-by.
Despite Aldo stating he had ‘every intention’ of facing McGregor on July 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada, it was not meant to be. Mendes now steps into the MGM Grand Garden Arena ready to fight for the UFC interim-title.
The news was made official by McGregor and White on an edition of ESPN SportsCenter on Tuesday evening, where McGregor described the champion Aldo as ‘a man is scared for his life’.
A heated showdown was expected between Jose Aldo, and challenger McGregor, with months of back-and-forth encounters between the pair over interviews, the UFC World Tour and face-to-face encounters.
However, McGregor and Mendes aren’t exactly the best of friends. Personified by the SBG Ireland fighter’s appearance on BT Sports’ UFC Beyond the Octagon last year where he told ‘Money Mendes’ he would ‘rest his balls on his forehead’.
Mendes has fought for the UFC featherweight title twice before, most recently in Brazil at UFC 179 where, although losing a decision to Aldo, showcased a great performance in the 2014 Fight of the Year.
It’s not the fight you wanted, but it’s the fight you’re getting.
