UFC 189: Conor McGregor Challenges Jose Aldo To Man Up, Fight Like A Champ

Conor McGregor, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) No. 3-ranked featherweight contender, is urging current champion Jose Aldo, whom McGregor is scheduled to fight in next month's UFC 189, to "man up" and fight through his nagging bruises.

After learning that the fight is in peril due to Aldo’s bruised rib, the Irish sensation said that the Brazilian needed just a little bit of ice, a little bit of Ibuprofen and a little bit of “toughen the f___ up” to go through with the highly anticipated July 11 bout in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old challenger went on to say that every fighter has had to step in the Octagon, bruises notwithstanding, in his interview with FOX Sports News during the Machida vs. Romero Fight Night.

"Just toughen up and show up. Many people have stepped inside the Octagon with little, itty bitty bruises. We all have knocks and bruises. Dust it off and step up. Step up and fight like a man. Fight like the champion you should be," McGregor said.

The comment is the latest in a series of highly quotable takes on the rib injury of Aldo, the UFC's longest reigning champion. McGregor began the weekend by firing off a tweet that his opponent just had “period pain,” then went on to downplay the injury by citing the majority of fighters who step in the Octagon with bruises and nagging ailments. He even added that he will not target Aldo’s sore rib but will go for the chin and a knockdown if the fight gets the green light.

After allaying fears of a fractured rib, Aldo and his handlers have been positive that the champion will be able to make his 10th title defense and maintain his No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking by disposing of McGregor.

Still, the 28-year-old Sherdog talent will have to go through the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s final round of medical tests before he is given the go ahead to proceed as planned.