C. Mendes (photo) faced J. Aldo in 2012 and 2014. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
If there is a fighter on the Ultimate roster that you know José Aldo, he is Chad Mendes. Manauara's great rival in the octagon, Mendes has already faced and been defeated by the champion twice – the most recent of which, in October last year, was voted “Fight of the Year 2014”. For this reason, Mendes guarantees: the Brazilian has a wide advantage in his next challenge, against the Irishman Conor McGregor. According to the athlete from Team Alpha Male, Aldo is “a lot of sand in the truck” of the Irish loudmouth.
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“Aldo x McGregor is a fight that has to happen and I'm excited to watch it. Both Aldo and Conor are athletic, they have excellent striking. Of course, I faced Aldo twice and I know what his kicks are like, his explosiveness and his speed. I've felt all of this before. Precisely for that reason, I think Aldo is too much trouble for McGregor's truck”, said the American, in an interview with the “Combate” channel website.
Despite the Brazilian's superiority, however, Mendes highlighted McGregor's qualities and said that the Irishman deserved the position of number one contender for the belt. “The first time I faced Aldo, I had won four or five fights in a row, then McGregor did the same thing. As much as I want to hate him, because he talks too much and says a lot of nonsense, I have to recognize that he did what had to be done. McGregor says he's going to beat these guys, and when he faces them, he does what he promises. So, I think he deserves this chance, although I think he should test himself against someone who is stronger in wrestling first. Either way, Conor does what he promises, or at least he has done so far, so let's see how he does,” he concluded.
At 29, Chad Mendes has a professional record of 16 wins and two losses, both against José Aldo in Rio de Janeiro. Mendes returned to the Octagon on April 4, in the main fight of UFC Fight Night 63, against Ricardo Lamas. Aldo now faces Conor McGregor on July 11, at UFC 189, in Las Vegas (USA). The event marks the kickoff of the million-dollar partnership between Ultimate and Reebok for the exclusive supply of uniforms and sporting equipment for fighters.
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