Reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champion Jose Aldo was forced to withdraw from his UFC 189 title fight against Conor McGregor, due to an injured rib, but could be back inside the Octagon in approximately four months.
So why did the promotion create an interim title?
Probably because "Junior" has bailed on five title fights throughout his storied mixed martial arts (MMA) career. And according to UFC middleweight and part-time analyst Michael Bisping, the fans want to see a championship bout on July 11, 2015 inside MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Even if it is "a little mean."
"My initial reaction is extreme disappointment. It's bad for the UFC, it's bad for the fans, it's bad for McGregor. This was the most highly-anticipated match up in recent UFC history. The fight is not going to take place and it's a huge blow to the sport. Of course, Chad Mendes is a fantastic replacement, but it's not the fight everybody wanted to see. It's such a shame. Jose Aldo has pulled out of a number of fights. I'm sure that comes into the [interim title] equation somewhere. Personally, I think it's a little mean that they're making this for the interim belt, but there's so much invested in this fight. The whole world has been itching to see a title fight with Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor. The reality is, that ain't happening. The next best thing? Interim belt, Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor."
Mendes has been on standby since late last week.
The UFC titles have been passed around like a game of hot potato in recent weeks. Cain Velasquez said goodbye to his 265-pound crown last month in Mexico City, not long after Daniel Cormier scooped up the vacant light heavyweight strap. There's also the 170-pound round-robin at welterweight, and we all saw what happened to Anthony Pettis back in March.