C. Mendes (photo) was defeated by Aldo in 2012. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
In the first meeting between José Aldo e Chad Mendes, at UFC Rio 2 in 2012, the Brazilian held on to the cage of the Octagon to avoid a fall just before turning and landing the knee that knocked out the challenger. Two and a half years later, Aldo and Mendes will meet again in a fight valid for the featherweight belt and the American wants to ensure that his rival will not repeat the same move.
“One of the things I'm going to pay attention to is not taking him down close to the fence. I'm going to tell the referees to pay attention to this before the fight, so he doesn't hold onto the fence”, said the “Team Alpha Male” athlete in an interview with the “MMA Hour” podcast. “It’s not something I’ve become obsessed with. It just wasn't my time, but it was something that would change the fight. I don't know if I would have won that fight if I took him down, but I wouldn't have taken that knee if he had gone down. I don't know if I would win, I don't know what the result would be, but the fight would certainly have taken a different direction. But everything happens for a reason,” he added.
Mendes also revealed that the fight went through many obstacles until it was finally confirmed for August 2, at UFC 176. “There were two times that the fight was scheduled, but Aldo was backing down, saying it was too early. And now we are here, (it will happen on) August 2nd. It was very frustrating. There were two changes. First, it was supposed to be on the July 5th card, that's what we were told. Then when Weidman got injured, they were looking for a main event there (for UFC 173, May 24th). So I said yes right away, but he (Aldo) said no. I had eight weeks notice, it was too early for Aldo. He also couldn't fight on July 5th. It’s strange to me, it doesn’t make sense, but now it’s set for August 2nd,” he said.
On August 2nd, at Stapples Center, in Los Angeles (USA), the Brazilian José Aldo puts the Ultimate featherweight belt on the line for the seventh time in the rematch against Chad Mendes. The fight is the main event of UFC 176. Undefeated since November 2005, Aldo, who has a record of 24 wins and just one loss, is the only champion of the 66 kg division in the history of the UFC, as he migrated from the now extinct WEC as title holder. Mendes, 26 years old, has a record of 16 victories and only one setback – precisely against Manauara.
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