CONOR McGregor will now face Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in Las Vegas on July 11 following Jose Aldo’s withdrawal.
Aldo suffered a rib injury in training, and the UFC has confirmed that Mendes will clash with McGregor at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Speaking on ESPN McGregor said: "If a man is scared for his life, we cannot force him to step inside to face me.
“I feel he is afraid. The doctors have cleared him to fight, it's a bruise, but he has still pulled out. So rightfully so, the belt should be taken from him and we should contest for the interim belt, or in my opinion, the real belt."
"I just feel he was beaten mentally before I had the chance to beat him physically. I felt even through the World Tour and all the build up he was looking for his way out, and thankfully for him, his coach and his team, they have found their way out."
