Jose Aldo was scheduled to make his UFC debut last week at UFC 125, but a cervical disc injury forced him off the card. Aldo told Tatame that he’ll be ready to return in March:
When do you think you’ll be back?
I was supposed to do my first belt defense, but unfortunately I couldn’t do it, but I believe that within a month I’ll be 100%. I believe that in March I’ll be ready to defend my belt for the first time, but I’m still only doing physiotherapy.
Josh Grispi was penciled in as the first challenger to Aldo’s UFC featherweight title, but Dustin Poirier removed the necessity for that fight. We’ve heard no discussion about possible replacements, and a glance at the USA Today/SB Nation doesn’t offer many answers. Number two (tied) Mike Brown dropped a close decision to Diego Nunes at UFC 125. The other number two, Manny Gamburyan, hasn’t fought since Aldo ended his title aspiration in the second round in the main event at WEC 51. Number six Michihiro Omigawa and number twelve Chad Mendes are scheduled to meet at UFC 126 in February.
Number eleven Mark Hominick might be the most likely option if he can get by George Roop later this month at the “Fight For The Troops” event.