Following June 23 reports that UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo had suffered a suspected broken rib ahead of his UFC 189 title defense against Conor Mcgregor, the promotion has issued a statement with confirmation that Aldo suffered only bruising of the rib and cartilage.
While the Brazilian’s injury would bring a degree of pain and setback to his preparations, the UFC stated that Aldo has every intention of facing Conor McGregor at UFC 189 in Las Vegas on July 11.
However, the UFC has also confirmed a contingency plan with #1 ranked featherweight contender Chad Mendes set to step in and face McGregor for the interim UFC featherweight championship in the event Aldo pulls out.
The UFC are committed to delivering the featherweight and the welterweight championship fights at UFC 189 with 170lb champion Robbie Lawler facing Canadian Rory MacDonald in a huge bout that has flown slightly under the radar with the overshadowing excitement surrounding Aldo and McGregor.
The UFC’s plan B is a perfectly suitable replacement, and with great risk considering the investment put in to the Irishman facing Aldo, and with McGregor’s grappling being very much untested in the Octagon, having never faced a high caliber wrestler, let alone title contender, such as Mendes.
