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Featherweight Josh Grispi not guaranteed title shot with win at UFC 125 | MMAjunkie.com

WEC standout turned UFC fighter Josh Grispi (14-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) may not get a chance to realize a title opportunity that slipped through his fingers with the injury of featherweight champ Jose Aldo (18-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC).

UFC president Dana White said today that Grispi is not guaranteed a fight with Aldo if he's victorious Saturday at UFC 125 against fellow octagon newcomer Dustin Poirier.

"He's in the mix, though," White said.

Grispi was pulled from a fight with Erik Koch (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at November's WEC 52 event to face Aldo in the co-main event of Saturday's fight card. But Aldo shortly afterward withdrew from the booking with a serious back injury, and Poirier (8-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) was subsequently slotted in his place. The bout was then moved to the UFC 125 preliminary card.

It was a disappointing turn for Grispi, but the UFC president said it's part of the business.

"Look at (Yushin) Okami," White said. "He was set-up for the title before. Stuff happened, and he didn't get the title fight. It happens sometimes. This thing just keeps on rolling.

"If Grispi wins and Aldo wins, he'll get in the mix. It will happen."

On the bright side, the Japanese standout Okami eventually did get a title shot, though it took him a little longer than many fans anticipated (and it was set back in October 2009 by a decision loss to future contender Chael Sonnen).

Grispi has yet to reach a stumbling block. The 22-year-old railroaded four consecutive opponents within the first round in his time with the WEC. He returned with a vengeance in June after a yearlong injury layoff and choked out veteran L.C. Davis at WEC 49.

So whenever that title opportunity comes, the youngster certainly looks poised to accept. First, though, he must get through Poirier, who went 1-1 in the now-shuttered WEC.

Meanwhile, Aldo's layoff may be shorter than expected.

"I think we already have a fight for Aldo," White said.

The UFC executive declined to offer specifics.

im not surprised by this. it was kind of weird that they took the title shot away from hominick and gave it to grispi for no reason.