Jose Aldo still plans on competing at UFC 189. And if he can’t, the UFC has a backup plan.
Aldo has a bone bruise to his rib and a cartilage injury following a training accident this week, according to a UFC statement. The UFC said it has received confirmation from “several doctors” that Aldo did not suffer a broken rib.
According to the UFC, Aldo has expressed “every intention” of fighting Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC 189 on July 11 in Las Vegas. The bout was up in the air after news broke Tuesday, originally by Globo, that Aldo was injured and potentially out.
Despite Aldo’s current wishes, the UFC has a “contingency plan” in place if he cannot go. Chad Mendes will step in to face McGregor for the interim title if Aldo is unable to compete.
“UFC remains committed to delivering the featherweight and the welterweight championship fights at UFC 189 during UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas,” the statement said.
Robbie Lawler will defend his welterweight belt against Rory MacDonald in the co-main event.
McGregor has already chimed in on Twitter.
It turned out he just had a little period pain.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 25, 2015