As if featherweight champion Jose Aldo couldn’t feel any lower, apparently his absence at UFC 189 has only added to the appeal.
At least that’s the line UFC president Dana White is going with.
According to White, the event headlined by contenders Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes has pushed its gate at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to a company U.S. record.
“It’s at $7.1 [million], it’s the biggest gate ever in the United States and not only did it not lose interest, it almost sort of gained more interest, as crazy as that sounds,” White said during an appearance on the The Rusillo Show (via MMAMania).
So while White, McGregor and Mendes stand to make out fairly well, Rusillo asked how much the champ stood to lose out on due to his injured rib.
“Millions of dollars,” White said. “Yeah, he probably would’ve made close to four million.”
A week after news leaked out of Brazil that the champ had suffered a rib injury, White announced Aldo was being replaced by Mendes to compete for the interim title.
White says Aldo’s head coach Andre Pederneiras even sent him footage of the kick that cost his fighter millions.
“It’s crazy because I actually saw the video,” said White. “He gets hit with a spinning-heel kick, which is crazy in itself that anyone is even throwing that at him two weeks before his fight. It is what it is. He stood to make a lot of money, a lot of money. If he could’ve fought, he would’ve fought.”
McGregor faces Mendes for the interim featherweight title July 11 at UFC 189 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Gamblin’ man. Dana White says Conor McGregor offered to bet him $3 million he’d knock out Chad Mendes in the second round.
‘The reality of the situation.’ Chael Sonnen says he believes Conor McGregor’s media obligations have ‘crossed the line of being too much.’
Here we go. USADA’s IV ban could make Cris Cyborg dropping to 135 pounds a ‘problem.’
Big business. Dana White says UFC 189 passed the U.S. gate record following the McGregor-Mendes announcement.
The purge. Ryan Jimmo and Hatsu Hioki are among 14 fighters cut from the UFC earlier this week.
MEDIA STEW
UFC 189 embedded episode 6.
Pros pick Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald II.
Brendan Schaub picking Chad Mendes to TKO Conor McGregor.
Cris Cyborg says she hopes Bethe Correia kicks Ronda Rousey’s ass.
At least we know CM Punk can do crossfit.
Free Fight: Shogun Rua vs Chuck Liddell
Long watches.
Fight Night Chicago Free Fight: T.J. Dillashaw vs Renan Barao
…
“Monsoon Season” – Documentary on Lorenz Larkin from UFC Fight Night 70
…
TWEETS
Respect.
“José Aldo , when we compete , we compete . But you always have my respect . Conor McGregor respects nothing . I will have the support of their fans at UFC 189 ?”
.@josealdojunior quando competimos, competimos. Mas voce sempre tem meu respeito. @thenotoriusmma nao … http://t.co/nKV9qfqECb
— chad mendes (@chadmendes) July 7, 2015
The respect is mutual and I’m looking forward to fight u Again, because I know you’ll beat the Joker up! U can count on my fans!@chadmendes!
— Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior) July 8, 2015
Buddies.
BJ insisted @matthughes9x induct him into UFC HoF. The greatest bro-mance in MMA LIVE on @UFCFightPass 11am Saturday. pic.twitter.com/cc9ZsH8q4I
— Ant Evans (@AntEvansUFC) July 8, 2015
Get well soon.
Today I had the post op apointment with Dr. Shin. Im very happy that we got the cast off a… http://t.co/OVi0u2TzPr pic.twitter.com/2jlClbpiRK
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) July 7, 2015
Still in love with the grind!!! Ready to make the climb back to the top…. #limitless #reebok… https://t.co/9YBRybMtGf
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) July 8, 2015
Re: busted ribs, Doo Ho Choi was supposed to fight Sam Sicilia on 7/15, but that’s not happening anymore. Pic: pic.twitter.com/2IQiH9WG2b
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 7, 2015
Sure.
Yes or No? @danawhite make it happen pic.twitter.com/4HXFV8NERp
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) July 7, 2015
Still got it.
I couldn’t come to Thailand without doing some Muay Thai- thanks to Master Toddy & Arjan Sing for a great workout. https://t.co/kbjtGhZCTg
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) July 7, 2015
Beef.
@GilbertDurinho @NateDiaz209 @GilbertMelendez lol too much esp when one doesn’t fight and the other cheats!
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) July 7, 2015
@DustinPoirier so did Martin Luther king and you know that end result! U guys at ATT think you finally came up with a blueprint to beat me??
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) July 7, 2015
So pumped.
Sandra I am pumped to see how the @rondarousey portrait comes out. https://t.co/xtol5rNgcB
— Dana White (@danawhite) July 8, 2015
I am hearing that @MonsterEnergy is having a badass set up during the #ufc expo this weekend. Pumped! pic.twitter.com/tlF750LMe9
— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 8, 2015
Im going to be in Las Vegas tomorrow. I’m pretty pumped. @ufcfanexpo
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) July 8, 2015
Top seller.
Thank you for t-shirt @reebok_russia ??????? ??????? ?? ???????? @reebok @reebok_russia #Reebok @BrochuKevin @ufc pic.twitter.com/1EYZ18603D
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) July 7, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (July 7 2015)
Ray Borg vs. Geane Herrera at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Teixeira
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