Featherweight Champ Jose Aldo Injured, Bows Out of UFC 125

Just three days after being presented with his shiny new UFC featherweight championship belt, Jose Aldo has been forced to withdraw from his first defense of it.

Heavy.com on Tuesday reported that sources close to the event said Aldo was out. MMAWeekly.com confirmed the withdrawal with independent sources.

Aldo suffered a compacted vertebrae, causing tingling in both arms, according to ESPN reporter Josh Gross’ Twitter account. Aldo’s trainer made him get an MRI and the news of the injury was given to his management team Tuesday morning.

Aldo reigned supreme as the WEC featherweight champion until UFC president Dana White announced that the WEC would fold its fighters and operations into the UFC. At that time, Aldo became the UFC featherweight champion, and on Saturday before UFC 123, he was presented with his new title belt.

The Brazilian was scheduled to face No. 4 ranked Josh Grispi in the co-main event of UFC 125 on Jan. 1. A UFC lightweight title fight between current champion Frankie Edgar and the only man to defeat him, Gray Maynard, headlines the card.