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Aldo pulls out of UFC 189, Mendes to fight McGregor for interim title

Buda Mendes / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jose Aldo's out.

Dana White announced Tuesday on ESPN that featherweight champion Aldo will not fight in UFC 189 on July 11, with Chad Mendes taking his place against Conor McGregor.

White added the new bout will be for the interim title, with the winner facing Aldo when he's healthy to unify the belt.

"Aldo's rib is too painful and he will not be fighting," White said. "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."

There has been some debate about the severity of Aldo's injury. The UFC indicated recently he was dealing with damaged cartilage and a rib contusion, while Aldo's coach stated it was a fracture.

Whatever the case may be, McGregor isn't buying it.

"If a man is scared for his life, we can not force him to step inside and fight me," McGregor said. "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."

Mendes is currently sporting an impressive 17-2 record, but McGregor seems to have little regard for his new opponent:

Although fans will surely be disappointed Aldo won't be fighting, the new bout already has the makings of a heated affair.

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