Despite falling into Conor McGregor‘s trap on the feet, featherweight contender Chad Mendes showcased that the Irish phenom does in fact have some holes in his game.
From securing multiple takedowns to successfully getting inside on the bigger-framed McGregor, Mendes was able to implement a blueprint capable of one day knocking off Notorious.
Unfortunately for the Team Alpha Male standout, Saturday was not his time to shine, as he lost by way of a second-round TKO.
But as one of the hardest working featherweights in the world, one who easily possesses the best wrestling and some of the best power punching in the division, Money will be cashing in on unsuspecting foes as soon as he’s given a full training camp.
Here are three fights for Mendes to take next following an exciting defeat to McGregor at UFC 189:
Winner of Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira
Both Holloway and Oliveira are on impressive win streaks in the featherweight division.
They’re two of the very best finishers around today and reputable opponents for Mendes, who has now dropped two of his last three outings.
Holloway and Do Bronx are scheduled to do battle at UFC Fight Night 74 next month, suggesting an end-of-the-year showdown with Mendes could be in the making.
As for the fight itself, Blessed would probably serve as the better matchup for Mendes, considering his takedown defense is average at best and doesn’t incorporate the high-level submission game that Oliveira‘s does.
Jeremy Stephens
Well, despite missing weight leading into UFC 189, Lil’ Heathen absolutely clobbered Dennis Bermudez with a flying knee to ensure a third-round TKO victory.
It was one of Stephens’ best performances of his eight-year UFC career and a testament to his newly instated mentality leading up to his fights.
The victory was his first since January of last year, but Stephens is officially 4-2 in the featherweight division and a guy who can finish anybody at anytime.
His takedown defense would have to be at an all-time high opposite Mendes, but it’s a matchup that might make the most sense out of anyone else on this list.
Frankie Edgar
If Jose Aldo is able to get healthy and unify his featherweight strap with interim champion McGregor, then deserving veteran Edgar will have to wait even longer for his shot at UFC gold.
While that’s something that the former lightweight kingpin doesn’t want to happen, it would leave the door open for a near-even matchup opposite Mendes.
And considering Edgar recently dismantled Urijah Faber back at UFC Fight Night 66, you better believe that Mendes and Team Alpha Male have some unfinished business with the New Jersey native.
Edgar’s elite footwork and polished striker would have to give him the edge on paper, but a fight with Mendes would serve as a sensational and meaningful featherweight fight.
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