It looks like Jose Aldo will finally defend his title against Irish superstar Conor McGregor, based on a statement by UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta.

When asked if the rumors of the Aldo-McGregor match happening on January 2, 2016, were true, Fertitta reportedly responded: "Probably January 2, but that's not set in stone. We have MGM reserved on January 2."

ESPN's Brett Okamoto said the UFC would probably hold the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Casino in Las Vegas. UFC usually has the New Year's fight card as one of their premiere dates, he reported.

The title fight was originally set at UFC 189 last July 11 in Las Vegas as well, but a rib injury sidelined Aldo from pursuing the match. Aldo sustained the injury while training in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The seven-time champ tried to recover in time for the match, but decided against pushing it.

UFC President Dana White was the one to break the news on ESPN's SportsCenter. "Aldo's rib is too painful and he will not be fighting," he said. "Chad Mendes will fight Conor McGregor for the interim belt. It's (Aldo's) decision. I don't feel great about it. We've spent a lot of money promoting this fight and a lot of people were excited. It's definitely disappointing."

To replace the original plan, McGregor fought Chad Mendes instead. Months of trashtalking finally concluded in a knock-out victory for the Irish athlete in the second round to capture the interim featherweight title, MMA Mania reported.

The win against Mendes has tipped the odds towards McGregor's favor in the coming Aldo-McGregor fight. Nick Kalikas of MMAOddsbreaker.com said: "McGregor answered several important questions, displaying both a terrific chin and a resilient spirit when facing adversity for the first time in his UFC career, despite entering the fight amidst rumors of an injured knee."

"Notorius" is now looking ahead to his fight with Aldo, ultimately a unification bout against the current division powerhouse. Contrary to what McGregor wanted, the title fight will not be held in his home country Ireland, noted MMA Mania.

During a post-fight presser, the UFC president said a fight of this magnitude should be held in the "Fight Capital of the World," in Las Vegas Nevada.

The title fight between Aldo and McGregor is said to be the biggest fight the UFC can organize at this point in the organization's progress. Bleacher Report's Nathan McCarter said: "The media surrounding the unification bout will be enormous, and the UFC will want to make sure this fight happens on the biggest stage possible."