Jose Aldo is bruised, but not broken, according to an official update from UFC.com that was just released.
Check it out below:
"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."
That's awesome news; however, UFC 189 is little more than two weeks away and all indications are that Aldo is currently in "deep pain" (rib injuries hurt ... a lot).
While most fighters begin to scale back their workouts considerably about a week or so from fight night, it would seem that the Brazilian won't be able to do much of anything from this point forward if he wants to heal effectively.
Anything could and probably does include cardio, which is always necessary when contracted weight limits are involved. In addition, it gives his opponent in UFC 189's main event, Conor McGregor, critical tactical intelligence that he could -- and likely will -- exploit inside the Octagon.
In other words, his assignment just got exponentially harder.
If, for whatever reason, Aldo is unable to regain full form or suffers another setback preparing for "Notorious" ahead of showtime, UFC has tapped Chad Mendes to serve as its "contingency plan."
Everything happens for a reason and I ain't no bitch!! Haha LETS DO THIS BABY!!! #illsavethisshow #anytimeanyplace #hatersgonnahate
— chad mendes (@chadmendes) June 25, 2015
In other words, as promised, McGregor will compete at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 11, 2015, with our without the Featherweight champion.
His assignment -- preparing for two of the best 145-pound fighters in the world, who do very different things very, very well -- seemingly just got exponentially harder, too.