Report: Jose Aldo suffers fractured rib, UFC 189 main event in jeopardy

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but...

Reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champion Jose Aldo has been injured in training camp and may be forced to withdraw from his upcoming UFC 189 pay-per-view (PPV) title defense on July 11, 2015 inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

That's according to a report from Combate (via Bloody Elbow), which pegs Aldo as the victim of a fractured a rib -- thanks to an inadvertent kick to the midsection during sparring -- just three weeks out from his "Sin City" title defense against Conor McGregor.

From Ana Hissa:

Aldo injured during sparring session, exams confirm fractured rib. Yesterday there was a rumor that Aldo was injured. Not true. The injury happened today, Tuesday morning, during sparring session.

As expected, the list of potential replacements is beginning to swell on social media. In fact, one streaking featherweight believes a rematch with McGregor would end much differently than their first go-round (see those comments here) and is standing by.

I'm just a call away... @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta @BrianButler_Au @seanshelby

— Jerome-Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) June 23, 2015

Frankie Edgar is also an option, considering his place in the 145-pound pecking order, but UFC would then risk handing "Notorious" a loss and destroying a future big-money title fight. Speaking of Irish losses, we also have this little gem from an old foe.

If Jose is out I'm willing to step in and beat @TheNotoriousMMA again!! @ufc @danawhite

— Joseph duffy (@Duffy_MMA) June 23, 2015

Yep, that's the same guy.

If and when Aldo does pull out, expect the championship co-main event between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald to take over headlining duties. Click here for the current UFC 189 fight card and line up.

Stay tuned.