Jose Aldo’s rib injury has proved quite costly, in more ways than one.
The UFC featherweight champion was forced to withdraw from his July 11 title fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 189 after suffering a rib injury in training. By backing out of the fight, Aldo has lost his chance to defend his title against a very strong challenger in McGregor. Apparently, he’s also losing out on a substantial payday.
Chad Mendes will take on McGregor for the interim title in Aldo’s stead, and UFC president Dana White admitted during a recent appearance on ESPN Radio that ticket sales for McGregor-Mendes are north of $7 million.
“It’s at $7.1 (million), it’s the biggest gate ever in the United States,” White said, via MMAMania.com. “And not only did it not lose interest, it almost sort of gained more interest, as crazy as that sounds.”
So how much of that would have gone to Aldo if he entered the Octagon?
“Millions of dollars,” White said. “Yeah, he probably would’ve made close to four million.”
That’s gotta hurt.
It sounds like Aldo’s injury is pretty serious, as an independent doctor recently confirmed his ribs are fractured. Still, it can’t feel good for Aldo to miss out on such a big opportunity, no matter how much pain he’s in.
Thumbnail photo via Jason Silva/USA TODAY Sports Images
