Aldo (left) defeated Mendes (right) for the second time at UFC 179. Photo: Inovafoto
A few weeks have passed since the historic fight between José Aldo e Chad Mendes at UFC Rio 5, but UFC president Dana White continues to praise the athletes for their performance.
In an interview with the UFC's official website, White stated that he was impressed with the fight, won by the Brazilian by the judges' decision, and, therefore, he made a point of congratulating both of them on what he saw. “There were two guys who didn't want to back down and who weren't going to give in, and they kept going at each other all the time”, praised the manager. “I called Mendes and Aldo three days after the fight to tell them how honored I felt to be able to sit where I was and be able to watch the fight.”
White also took the opportunity to praise the work done by coach Duane Ludwig, considered one of those largely responsible for Mendes' evolution in striking. “All credit in the world to Ludwig, who must be the best striking coach in the business. Yes, he joined a group of extremely talented guys, but they were wrestlers. What we saw at UFC Rio was a Chad Mendes who defended all of Aldo's kicks, and he connected more leg kicks than Aldo. Mendes really wanted that belt, and that’s why he went for it”, he analyzed.
Despite this, White says he has no doubt who deserved the victory. “Aldo won that war. He won the fight. A lot of people were talking about Mendes being robbed – he had an incredible fight, but Aldo won that fight and made his reputation grow even more,” he commented.
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