Jose Aldo not in shape, rejects UFC offer to rematch Conor McGregor at UFC 196

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champion Jose Aldo vowed to remain inactive until the promotion relented and awarded him an immediate rematch against Conor McGregor, who stopped “Junior” at UFC 194 back in December.

Thanks to an injury to UFC 196 headliner Rafael dos Anjos (details), that rematch went from wishful thinking to immediate reality; however, Aldo was forced to decline because he’s been sitting on the couch popping brigadeiros instead of working on his comeback.

“Dana (White) called me, telling what happened and asking if Aldo was in shape to fight,” head coach Andre Pederneiras told Combate (via MMA Fighting). “I said he wasn’t and that there wasn’t enough time, and unfortunately he wouldn’t be able to fight next week.”

So much for that secret move to lightweight.

The good news is, there are plenty of other options available, including Donald Cerrone and Nate Diaz, who both expressed interest in fighting McGregor just as soon as the opportunity presented itself. So too, did former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.

Frankie Edgar and Khabib Nurmagomedov, however, are ruled out. “The Answer” is dealing with injuries while “The Eagle” was told to stand fast, since he’s already headlining the UFC on FOX 19 event against Tony Ferguson, who is also off the table.

“Showtime” gets my vote … how about you?

I’m down to throw down!!! @dukeroufus @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta

— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) February 23, 2016

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champion Jose Aldo vowed to remain inactive until the promotion relented and awarded him an immediate rematch against Conor McGregor, who stopped “Junior” at UFC 194 back in December.

Thanks to an injury to UFC 196 headliner Rafael dos Anjos (details), that rematch went from wishful thinking to immediate reality; however, Aldo was forced to decline because he’s been sitting on the couch popping brigadeiros instead of working on his comeback.

“Dana (White) called me, telling what happened and asking if Aldo was in shape to fight,” head coach Andre Pederneiras told Combate (via MMA Fighting). “I said he wasn’t and that there wasn’t enough time, and unfortunately he wouldn’t be able to fight next week.”

So much for that secret move to lightweight.

The good news is, there are plenty of other options available, including Donald Cerrone and Nate Diaz, who both expressed interest in fighting McGregor just as soon as the opportunity presented itself. So too, did former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.

Frankie Edgar and Khabib Nurmagomedov, however, are ruled out. “The Answer” is dealing with injuries while “The Eagle” was told to stand fast, since he’s already headlining the UFC on FOX 19 event against Tony Ferguson, who is also off the table.

“Showtime” gets my vote … how about you?