Dana White on high alert to prevent physical altercation on UFC 189 media tour

Conor McGregor

UFC President Dana White will be on high alert over the next nine days as he attempts to prevent any physical confrontation between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor while they travel the globe for the “UFC 189 World Championship Tour.”

In an unprecedented move for UFC fight promotion, the organization announced earlier this month that a 12-day, 10-city media tour will take place to promote UFC 189’s featherweight championship main event between reigning titleholder Aldo (25-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and No. 1 contender McGregor (17-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC).

The first stop on that tour took place Friday in Rio de Janeiro, and the fans, unsurprisingly, were extremely anti-McGregor as they ridiculed the Irishman while praising Aldo.

An intense staredown capped the press conference in what was the first of many face-to-face meetings set for the coming weeks and months.

While both fighters kept within the acceptable confines of staredown etiquette, it’s hard to avoid feeling the situation could escalate at any moment. White is hoping everyone is able to remain composed going forward, especially because he already received a warning from Aldo’s coach about what would happen if McGregor gets physical.

“(Aldo head coach) Andre Pederneiras told me – he’s not joking, he’s dead serious – that I better make sure that Conor McGregor does not touch Jose Aldo once during this entire tour,” White said on FOX Sports 1’s UFC Fight Night 62 post-fight show. “The level of disrespect that’s coming out of (McGregor’s) mouth will not be followed by the level of disrespect by him being touched.”

UFC 189 takes place July 11 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. The 145-pound title fight headlines the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

McGregor’s ascent to a UFC title shot has been quick and captivating. “The Notorious” has garnered more attention in five octagon appearances than most fighter will receive in an entire career. He declared soon after joining the UFC roster that he’d be the one to dethrone Aldo, and soon he’ll get his chance.

It won’t be an easy task to take the belt from “Scarface,” though. Aldo is undefeated in UFC competition and hasn’t lost a pro fight since November 2005. His current 18-fight winning streak includes seven UFC title defenses.

Aldo has engaged in some of McGregor’s antics, but overall the Brazilian has shown little concern in regards to his brash opponent. His demeanor could shift quickly if provoked, though, and after receiving that warning, White said he’ll do everything in his power to make sure any physical contact between Aldo and McGregor is confined to fight night.

“I better sleep, eat my Wheaties and be ready on this trip to keep these two from touching each other, which I’m very conscious of,” White said. “It’s going to fun. It’s going to be interesting, and I can’t wait for that fight. It’s going to be the biggest featherweight fight ever.”

For more on UFC 189, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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