Jose Aldo Has Bruised Rib, Fight With Conor McGregor Still On

The mixed martial arts (MMA) world can let out a collective sigh of relief.

Featherweight champion Jose Aldo, who was thought to have a confirmed broken rib that put his awaited UFC 189 grudge match with Irish rival Conor McGregor in serious jeopardy, has been cleared by the UFC’s medical staff after it was revealed that Aldo only had a bruised rib.

The UFC just released a statement on the tenuous subject this evening, noting that Aldo had only suffered bruising and cartilage damage but will still fight in Las Vegas on July 11:

“In light of recent reports regarding the status of UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, UFC has received official medical confirmation from several doctors that Aldo did not suffer a broken rib. Following a review of the scans, it has been determined that the champion suffered a bone bruise to his rib and cartilage injury during training.

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

Aldo intends to compete at the blockbuster event, but just in case he isn’t able to go, the promotion secured No. 1-ranked Chad Mendes, who arrived in Las Vegas today as a contingency plan, to potentially face McGregor in an interim title fight if Aldo can’t go. It was reported that Mendes was there to finalize his deal as a backup plan.

So the biggest MMA fight of the year and perhaps of all-time is tentatively still on for two weeks from this Saturday. Will McGregor take advantage of Aldo’s weakened state, or will the longtime champion and pound-for-pound king retain his belt in dramatic fashion in Las Vegas?