Aldo was fighting, then he wasn't fighting due to a rib injury, and then he was fighting again. Now, however, it has been announced that Aldo has officially withdrawn from UFC189 and will be replaced by Chad Mendes, a two-time title contender.
The confirmation of the exit, via ESPN’s SportsCenter yesterday, was announced by UFC president Dana White.
"Aldo's rib is too painful and he will not be fighting. Chad Mendes will fight Conor McGregor for the interim belt. It's (Aldo's) decision. I don't feel great about it. We've spent a lot of money promoting this fight and a lot of people were excited. It's definitely disappointing."
Needless to say, McGregor is unwavering. Speaking yesterday, he said: "If a man is scared for his life, we can not force him to step inside and fight me. Doctors have cleared him to fight - it's a bruise - but he still pulled out. Rightfully so, the belt should be taken from him and we will contest for the interim belt or, in my opinion, the real belt."
He also added that he'd knock out Mendes within four minutes, before taking to twitter...
They can run. But they can't hide.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 1, 2015
