The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to make it’s return to Brazil and it is bringing one of it’s native son’s home to headline the UFC 142 event.
UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo (20-1) is set to meet Chad Mendes (11-0) in the first UFC event of the new year.
Officials made the announcement late Monday night, with UFC President Dana White telling FOXSports.com that:
“Pound-for-pound superstar Jose Aldo will return home to fight in Brazil for the first time since 2007 when he defends his UFC featherweight title against unbeaten powerhouse Chad Mendes. Aldo hasn’t lost in over five years, but Mendes has yet to lose in MMA, and after clearing out all the contenders put in his way, he believes he has what it takes to beat the champion.”
UFC 142 is expected to take place on January 14th at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, making this the promotions second appearance in that country since last summer’s very successful UFC 134 event. At the time of writing, no other bouts have been announced for the event.
Aldo has won thirteen straight fights, which includes his most recent UFC title defense over challenger Kenny Florian last month. Aldo earned a unanimous decision over the former lightweight contender at UFC 136 in Houston, Texas marking his fifth straight WEC/UFC title match.
Mendes is undefeated in his pro-career with eleven straight victories. Having transitioned over to the UFC in 2011, the Team Alpha Male fighter has won both of his Octagon appearances, earning decisions over Rani Yahya and Michihiro Omigawa at UFC 133 and UFC 126 respectively.