It would be interesting for me if McGregor beat Aldo, confesses Chad Mendes

Aldo (left) and Mendes (right) fought an intense duel in 2014. Photo: Inovafoto

Last challenger to try to dethrone José Aldo for the UFC featherweight belt, Chad Mendes admitted that it would be interesting for his career if the Brazilian lost in his next fight, against Conor McGregor, in July.

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This is because Mendes has already been defeated by Aldo on two occasions, once in 2012, by knockout, and another last year, by judges' decision. Therefore, the North American believes that, if there is a new champion in the category, his chances of competing for the title again would be greater.

“It would be more interesting for me if Conor won. This would put me back in line to fight for the belt, giving me the chance to face a new opponent for the title,” he said, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”.

However, Mendes admits that he feels torn about the fight. Despite being satisfied with the scenario in case of McGregor's victory, he also stated that he would like to be the man to defeat Aldo and take away the Brazilian's almost ten-year unbeaten run. “Part of me wants Aldo to win. I want to be the guy to beat him,” he said. “I have something with Aldo. There's something to be said about two guys who get in a cage and beat the crap out of each other for 25 minutes. It creates something strange, a certain kind of bond.”

The fight between Aldo and McGregor will be the main attraction of UFC 189, in Las Vegas (USA), on July 11th. Mendes returns to the octagon a little earlier, on April 4, when he faces Ricardo Lamas.

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