“It’s a shirt that quarterbacks use” – Jose Aldo on how he’s protecting his ribs ahead of UFC 194

Jose Aldo's ribs ought to be in tip-top shape come December 12.

The UFC featherweight champion has explained the measures that the UFC have gone through to protect his midsection after he fractured his rib just two weeks ahead of his scheduled title fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 189. Earlier this week, we revealed that UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta had bought Aldo some protective clothing to reinforce his ribcage in training in order to avoid a recurrence of the scenario which forced the promotion to bring Chad Mendes in on short notice. Aldo was asked about the protective vest at a media scrum in Rio this week and he explained it further. "It's a shirt that quarterbacks use to protect their ribs," Aldo said. "I'm using it in training.

"After that spinning back kick, the most expensive spinning back kick in history, we're more protected now.

"You can hit me in my ribs now because I've got wood to protect me so I won't get hurt." Fingers crossed!