NSAC head talks Aldo injury status

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett spoke with MMAjunkie’s Brent Brookhouse and Steven Marrocco about the status of UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo’s rib injury. The injury has conflicting diagnoses at present. In order to fight challenger Conor McGregor on July 11, Aldo must be licensed by the NSAC. The licensing process requires divulging any recent recent injuries or medical visits.

Bennett explained that until Aldo is licensed, it is up to promotion (or of course the fighter and his camp) to pull him if he is not medically able to fight.

That’s for the UFC, said Bennett said. They’ll go ahead and that will be reflected in his medical records, and that’s also reflected in his pre-fight questionnaire.

So if he’s hurt and he can’t fight, he’ll reveal it to us, or he should. I understand about the injury he has, and I understand they’re taking a look at it, and they’re evaluating him, and those are all questions that really should be directed at the UFC, because we’re working hand-in-glove with them. At this point and time, it’s not a regulatory issue.

He comes in, he fills out a pre-fight questionnaire, and my ringside physicians go through their normal physical examinations. If he can’t pass the normal physical examination that’s done, we would get into additional questioning. But anything prior to that, if nothing’s revealed to us that prohibits him from fighting, just like every athlete has some type of injury prior to an event, whether it’s baseball, basketball, or football – everybody’s injured to a certain extent. But if he’s hurt to the extent that he can’t fight, I’m sure the UFC is going to let us know, and bring it to our attention.

The plan at present is to have Chad Mendes standing by, making weight, and earning a paycheck, ready to step in if Aldo is not able to fight. If Aldo is unable to fight, he will be remain the champion, but Mendes and McGregor will fight for an Interim title, that will eventually be unified.