Michael Bisping (26-7) blev som många andra, besviken över att inte Jose Aldo (25-1) kommer att möta Conor McGregor (17-2) och tycker att det är lite elakt att göra Chad Mendes (17-2) vs Conor McGregor till en match om interimbältet.
Bisping tycker att Mendes är en fantastisk ersättare, men menar att det inte är den matchen som alla ville se.
”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.”