By Kevin Murphy
Conor McGregor’s eagerly anticipated UFC title fight has been cancelled after it was finally confirmed that injured ribs will rule out Jose Aldo.
Another UFC fighter Chad Mendes will step into Aldo’s place following the disappointing news that was announced on ESPN yesterday.
The UFC featherweight champion has cited a rib injury as the reason he cannot face the Irishman in the ring at UFC189 in less than two weeks time.
Former two-time title contender Chad Mendes will instead step into Aldo’s place and fight McGregor for the interim featherweight title.
Aldo’s news was announced on ESPN’s Sports Center yesterday. The seven-time defending champion suffered the injury while training last week in Brazil.
They can run. But they can't hide.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 1, 2015
McGregor reacted to the news in true McGregor fashion and commented: “If a man is scared for his life, we can not force him to step inside and fight me.
“Doctors have cleared him to fight — it’s a bruise — but he still pulled out.
“Rightfully so, the belt should be taken from him and we will contest for the interim belt or, in my opinion, the real belt.”