Video: Lorenzo Fertitta explains UFC 176 postponement, Rio now possible for Aldo-Mendes

In the wake of the cancellation of the UFC 176 pay-per-view set for Aug. 2, UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta explained the promotion’s decision – saying he doesn’t think it had anything to do with the UFC having too many fight cards scheduled.

“I don’t think so,” Fertitta told “FOX Sports Live” on Tuesday night, just a few short hours after the decision was announced. “I think sometimes these come and go, and ebb and flow. Last year we went through the entire year and I don’t think we had to replace one card. Overall, at the end of the day, we have all of these guys coming back. The lineup in the fall is going to be pretty strong.”

UFC 176 was set for Staples Center in Los Angeles with a featherweight title headliner between champion Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes. But a week ago, Aldo was forced out with a neck injury. With no suitable replacement – specifically, Fertitta said, a title fight – the decision was made to scrap the card entirely, forcing the other 10 bouts already set for the event to other dates. (Three already have been announced.)

Fertitta said the Aldo-Mendes fight will be rescheduled for later in the fall – possibly on Oct. 25 at UFC 179 in Rio de Janeiro. Aldo fought Mendes in Rio once already at UFC 142 in January 2012. But he said re-booking Staples Center will be a difficult task.

If Aldo can’t come back as quickly as doctors believe, Fertitta said the company would consider an interim title fight between Mendes and another featherweight contender. But he’s hopeful that won’t be the case.

Check out the full video interview above.

And for the latest on UFC 176 and the amended UFC fall schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.