UFC president Dana White announced last night that Jose Aldo had withdrawn from his UFC 189 title fight with Conor McGregor.
The Irishman will now fight Chad Mendes for the interim featherweight belt on July 11th.
Despite a UFC statement last week which said the Brazilian had not broken a rib and that he had every intention of fighting McGregor, there was major uncertainty surrounding the fight.
That all culminated with last night's news.
This is how Twitter reacted to the confirmation that Jose Aldo had pulled out.
They can run. But they can't hide.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 1, 2015
Let's do this!
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) July 1, 2015
Bottled it.
— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) July 1, 2015
Pulling out of a title defence once is unlucky. Pulling out of a title defence for 5th time is ridiculous, amateur preparation.
— David Mullins (@DavidMullinsMMA) July 1, 2015
For those of you who constantly bitched for two years about McGregor not fighting a wrestler, please now kindly shut the fuck up forever.
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) July 1, 2015
Jose Aldo out of UFC 189. Honestly, I'd rather see the plan B fight of McGregor vs. Mendes then see an injured man pressured into fighting.
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) July 1, 2015
I'd imagine a very pissed off nation tomorrow morning. I'm sure the heatwave will end, too. Luck of the Irish. My arse! #UFC189
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) July 1, 2015
Anyone who thinks Aldo is a coward or scared is completely out of their mind. You’re talking about one of the best fighters on the planet.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) July 1, 2015
If Chad Mendes wins (and wins convincingly), that is going to be one funereal vibe in Vegas.
— Chuck Mindenhall (@ChuckMindenhall) July 1, 2015
A + about Mendes vs McGregor? Hopefully this means all the nonsensical talk that CM is cutting the line &/or afraid of wrestlers will end...
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 1, 2015
Also, pretty darn amazing how McGregor has called his entire UFC run so far. From the wins, to Dublin, to Aldo ... Mystic Mac, indeed.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 1, 2015
And look, Mendes has been the target of some McGregor bombs since day 1 in the UFC, many thought they shoulda fought pre Aldo so let's see.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 1, 2015
You're an asshole if you pull that "Aldo is scared" bullshit.
— Mookie Alexander (@mookiealexander) July 1, 2015
those saying Jose Aldo is scared pic.twitter.com/OhdCBnrgVR
— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) July 1, 2015
I'm glad Aldo didn't take the fight. Big paycheck but he couldn't even get out of bad the past few days.
— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) July 1, 2015
McGregor is now favorite, but Mendes should win if he doesn't try to strike just take fight to ground whole time. On feet all bad 4 Chad.
— David Kano (@TheDKano) July 1, 2015
Now it's Chad Mendes (-115) v. Conor McGregor (-115). Line is gonna continue to move.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) July 1, 2015
