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Thursday, Jul 09, 2015

UFC 189: Conor McGregor Says He Had a “Feeling” Jose Aldo Would Withdraw, “I Saw Him Break”

Conor McGregor

By FCF Staff

Conor McGregor will fight Chad Mendes for the interim featherweight belt at UFC 189, and not the champion Jose Aldo, and the brash fighter says he’s not surprised.

Aldo recently withdrew from this Saturday’s event, after injuring his ribs in a sparring session a couple of weeks ago. After news of the injury surfaced, McGregor argued that Aldo should still fight, but the renowned fighter ultimately decided against competing with a broken rib.

McGregor appeared on the latest “UFC Tonight” on Thursday to promote Saturday’s bout with Mendes. While doing so, “Notorious” had this to say about Aldo’s withdrawal (quote via FOX Sports press release):

“It is what it is. I had a feeling he’d pull out. I saw him break in the world tour and if he had a chance to pull out, I knew he would. I train with different body types every day. It makes no difference if number two pulls out and number three goes in. I am number one, so it makes no difference.”

“99.9 percent of the roster would have said they’d wait for Jose to get better and to take the title shot later. I could have fought for the title after Poirier, but I took the Siver fight. I want to make money and perform for my fans. I just hope Jose comes back from that run he’s one. But I think he could be done.”

McGregor has won five straight fights now since he joined the UFC in 2013. Mendes, meanwhile, is coming off a quick stoppage win over Ricardo Lamas, after he was decisioned by Aldo in October.

UFC 189 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

posted by FCF Staff @ 11:33 am
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