Three-time title challenger Chad Mendes is curious to see Conor McGregor go the full five rounds against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196.
Only one of Conor McGregor’s 21 MMA fights has gone the distance, and that was a three-round fight against Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 26. The Irishman tore his ACL in the 2nd round and was forced to drag Holloway to the ground to secure a dominant unanimous decision.
With 17 KO’s, “The Notorious” has made short work of most of his opponents but questions still loom over his endurance and grit. McGregor, who knocked out Jose Aldo in 13-seconds to capture the featherweight title at UFC 194, will move up to lightweight to challenge Rafael dos Anjos for the 155 lbs. championship.
Due to both fighters’ aggression and tenacity, it’s expected to be a short but action-packed night at UFC 194, with both men likely looking for the finish from the opening bell.
Former featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes, who fought and lost to Jose Aldo twice and fell to McGregor’s sniping left hand at UFC 189, doesn’t know who will win on March 5th but wants to see McGregor tested in a five-round fight. “Money” spoke to Chael Sonnen recently on his “You’re Welcome” podcast.
“These gloves are tiny and anything can happen at any time,” Mendes said. “You just never know. I mean, when you see a guy go five rounds with somebody you can see their full arsenal; you can see their gas tank; you can see their mental state in those championship rounds. Then you can really figure out who’s tough and who’s not. I’m curious to see it, too.”
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor will headline the UFC 196 pay-per-view — co-headlined with Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate — on March 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.