Jose Aldo To Fight Conor McGregor Injured At UFC 189, Chad Mendes On Standby

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Despite recently suffering a rib injury during training, reigning featherweight champion Jose Aldo (pictured) will keep his appointment to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 189.

After further examination, it was determined Aldo’s rib was not broken as initially reported. It turned out to be merely a bone bruise to his rib and cartilage.

So for now, it’s game on.

“In light of recent reports regarding the status of UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, UFC has received official medical confirmation from several doctors that Aldo did not suffer a broken rib,” the UFC expressed in Wednesday’s statement. “Following a review of the scans, it has been determined that the champion suffered a bone bruise to his rib and cartilage injury during training.

“With this news, Aldo has expressed that he has every intention of facing Conor McGregor at UFC 189.”

However, the UFC is no fool. They have put Plan B in place. What’s behind door number two is Chad Mendes if Aldo isn’t able to answer the bell.

Mendes, who is currently ranked first in the UFC featherweight division, will serve as substitute and face McGregor for an interim title.

“While Aldo has indicated that he will compete in Las Vegas on July 11, UFC has confirmed a contingency plan,” the UFC continued. “No.1 featherweight contender Chad Mendes will face McGregor for the interim UFC featherweight championship in the event Aldo cannot compete.

“UFC remains committed to delivering the featherweight and the welterweight championship fights at UFC 189 during UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas.”

UFC 189 takes place inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here is the show’s official lineup:

Preliminary Card:

Yosdenis Cedeno vs. Cody Pfister

Neil Seery vs. Louis Smolka

(Fox Sports 1 8PM ET/5PM PT)

Henry Briones vs. Cody Garbrandt

Mike Swick vs. Alex Garcia

Cathal Pendred vs. John Howard

Matt Brown vs. Tim Means

Main Card:

(Pay-Per-View 10PM ET/7PM PT)

Brad Pickett vs. Thomas Almeida

Brandon Thatch vs. Gunnar Nelson

Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens

Rory MacDonald vs. Robbie Lawler (UFC welterweight champion)

Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo (UFC featherweight champion)