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[Sakara=Excitement]

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

LAS VEGAS – 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, as MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) previously reported.

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.

[carbondioxide830]

the man takes a fight w/ jose aldo on rather short notice (and in the middle of another training camp) only to have the shot taken away and given yet another opponent. you figured the very least they could do is give the man his shot if he wins, but you mean to tell me the ufc brass can't promise that? what the fuck ever.

[DC*Capital*DC]

I don't think Okami's was under the same circumstances.

[pantomime horse]

Grispi will get his shot. If Aldo fights soon than that just means Grispi will fight him in about 6 months. With sudden injuries a constant threat, they really can't promise things like this.

[YukonJordan]

And yet one more reason to think Dana White is a scumbag. This kind of matchmaking does not help MMA become more accepted into the mainstream.

[IceCold48]

Originally Posted by carbondioxide830

the man takes a fight w/ jose aldo on rather short notice (and in the middle of another training camp) only to have the shot taken away and given yet another opponent. you figured the very least they could do is give the man his shot if he wins, but you mean to tell me the ufc brass can't promise that? what the fuck ever.

led
yes but he was given that fight even though aldo was scheduled to fight hominick it made no sense to start with.

[LethalStriker]

Let's remember that Grispi was getting the title shot since he was an available opponent, not because he had cleared out the entire division. It depends on how soon they want Aldo to fight, if Grispi is still able to compete lets say two months after UFC 125 then he might get the title shot, but if he sustains an injury against Poirier then they have to go with someone else. Don't jump to conclusions.