Jose Aldo

By FCF Staff

Less than a week after the UFC announced that Jose Aldo still intended to fight Conor McGregor, July 11th, the promotion has confirmed the fight is off.

Last Tuesday, it was revealed that Aldo injured his ribs during a sparring session, and that his ribs may be fractured. On Wednesday, the UFC announced that doctors had concluded Aldo’s ribs were bruised, and that the featherweight champ still wanted to fight. The promotion also announced, however, that Chad Mendes would step in for Aldo he can’t fight at UFC 189.

A few days later, Aldo’s coach, Andre Pederneiras, said that Brazilian doctors believed the fighter’s ribs are indeed fractured. Today, it was reported Aldo had postponed a training session, and recently the UFC confirmed Aldo has withdrawn from the event.

While discussing Aldo’s withdrawal on ESPN SportCenter Tuesday, McGregor had this to say about the champion (quote via UFC.com):

“I just feel he was beaten mentally before I had the chance to beat him physically,” McGregor said. “I felt even through the World Tour and all the buildup he was looking for his way out, and thankfully for him, his coach and his team, they have found their way out.”

Mendes will face McGregor for an interim title at UFC 189, which will take place in Las Vegas.