We made it ... finally.
Even though it isn't what we had been promised -- over-promised actually thanks to an unprecedented, historically expensive promotional "World Tour" -- UFC 189 will kickoff later this evening (Sat., July 11, 2015) from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Leading the charge is a talented, trash-taking Irishman, Conor McGregor, who at 145 pounds and no UFC world titles to speak of has convinced Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) officials that he deserves top billing. "Notorious," of course, was supposed to challenge 145-pound champion, Jose Aldo, in a monumental grudge match, but the Brazilian had to withdraw from the pay-per-view (PPV) main event because he broke a rib in training (see x-ray pic here).
It was a nightmare scenario for UFC, which initially denied claims that Aldo was injured, before replacing him on two weeks notice with Chad Mendes and branding it a five-round interim title match (read the reasoning).
The wild rollercoaster ride included a bizarre drug-testing fiasco, too, which ultimately appeared to be much ado about nothing. The good news? We still have a great match up between two of the best Featherweight fighters in the world. And once the dust settles, we'll know so much more about where Mendes and McGregor truly belong in the division's pecking order.
Also on the docket -- and somehow flying under the radar -- is a Welterweight rematch between reigning 170-pound champion, Robbie Lawler, against top-ranked contender -- and Georges St-Pierre protege -- in the co-main event. Lawler bested MacDonald via split decision at UFC 167 back in Nov. 2013, a bout in which "Red King" has since admitted he had "no interest."
The entire PPV card, from bottom to top, is loaded with exciting fighters and match ups, including up-and-coming prospects such as Cody Garbrandt and Alex Garcia, as well as explosive crowd-friendly finishers like Matt Brown and Jeremy Stephens, among others.
It's going to be a blast.
Check out the complete UFC 189 line up below:
UFC 189 PPV Main Event (Midnight start time approximately):
145 lbs.: Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor for the interim featherweight championship
UFC 189 PPV Main Card (10 p.m. ET):
170 lbs.: UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald
145 lbs.: Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens
170 lbs.: Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch
135 lbs.: Thomas Almeida vs. Brad PickettUFC 189 FOX Sports 1 "Prelims" (8 p.m. ET):
170 lbs.: Matt Brown vs. Tim Means
170 lbs.: John Howard vs. Cathal Pendred
170 lbs.: Alex Garcia vs. Mike Swick
135 lbs.: Henry Briones vs. Cody GarbrandtUFC 189 Fight Pass "Prelims" (7 p.m. ET):
125 lbs.: Neil Seery vs. Louis Smolka
155 lbs.: Yosdenis Cedeno vs. Cody Pfister
For the latest, LIVE updates and UFC 189: "Mendes vs. McGregor" results TONIGHT click here.