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Jose Aldo pulls out of Conor McGregor title defence

McGregor will now face Chad Mendes for interim featherweight title at UFC 189

Jose Aldo has pulled out of his UFC featherweight title defence against Conor McGregor. Photograph: Getty
Jose Aldo has pulled out of his UFC featherweight title defence against Conor McGregor. Photograph: Getty
Wed Jul 01 2015 - 10:01

Jose Aldo has pulled out of his UFC featherweight title defence against Conor McGregor on July 11th.

This means McGregor will now fight Chad Mendes for the interim featherweight title at UFC 189 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Brazilian Aldo injured his ribs in training last week, leading to rumours last week the fight would be cancelled.

Aldo’s camp moved quickly to quash speculation he would have to pull out, however he has failed to recover in time, meaning Dubliner McGregor will take on Mendes, twice beaten by Aldo, instead.

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UFC president Dana White, speaking on ESPN SportsCenter, said: “Aldo’s rib is too painful and he will not be fighting.

“Chad Mendes will fight Conor McGregor for the interim belt. It’s (Aldo’s) decision. I don’t feel great about it.

“We’ve spent a lot of money promoting this fight and a lot of people were excited. It’s definitely disappointing.”

McGregor remains sceptical over Aldo’s withdrawal, he said: “If a man is scared for his life, we cannot force him to step inside and face me.

“I feel (Aldo) is afraid. The doctors have cleared him to fight, it’s a bruise, but he has still pulled out. So rightfully so, the belt should be taken from him and we should contest for the interim belt, or in my opinion, the real belt.”