UFC puts an end to the soap opera and confirms Aldo x McGregor, but announces plan B

Aldo (left) x McGregor (right): duel is on, at least until further notice. Photo: William Lucas / Inovafoto

See too

Wanderlei Silva warns Aldo of 'game of interests' and advises: 'Only fight if you are 100%'

Aldo's sparring details the move that caused the champion's fracture and reveals sadness about the episode

After Aldo's injury, Edgar says he is waiting for a call from the UFC to face McGregor

McGregor surprises and avoids controversy by commenting on Aldo's injury

The soap opera started after the injury suffered by José Aldo during training at Nova União had a happy outcome, at least for fans who want to follow the long-awaited duel between the featherweight champion and the Irish challenger Conor McGregor. After days of tension, the Ultimate organization issued an official statement ruling out a fracture in Aldo's rib and confirming the maintenance of the duel between him and McGregor as the main fight of UFC 189.

Despite the confirmation of the duel, based on independent medical reports, the organization has also announced a plan B, in case Aldo presents physical problems again that make it impossible for him to perform. In this case, Ultimate will put an interim belt at stake between the former challenger Chad Mendes and himself Conor McGregor.

UFC 189 takes place on July 11th and, at least so far, its main fight is the duel for the featherweight belt between the Brazilian José Aldo e Conor McGregor. In the co-main event of the night, the North American Robbie Lawler puts welterweight belt on the line against Canadian challenger Rory McDonald.

Check out the full statement released by UFC below:

Due to recent reports regarding the featherweight champion's health status, José Aldo, the UFC received medical confirmation from different doctors who stated that Aldo did not break his rib. After a review of the exams, it was determined that the champion suffered bone edema in his rib and a cartilage injury during training.

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

While he has already indicated that he will compete on July 11th in Las Vegas, the UFC has confirmed a contingency plan. The number one contender in the featherweight division, Chad Mendes, will face Conor McGregor for the interim featherweight title at the event if Aldo is unable to compete.

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

[vox id=”27227″]