(Aldo will make his third UFC title defense at home in Brazil.)
Jose Aldo will be in for a stiff test when he puts his UFC featherweight crown on the line against undefeated 11-0 wrestling standout Chad Mendes on January 14 at UFC 142 in a yet-to-be-announced locale in Brazil.
“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,” UFC president Dana White revealed to FoxSports.com this morning. “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.”
Mendes has been patiently waiting for his shot at the champion since perennial contender Kenny Florian jumped the line to challenge Aldo last month, but the UFC has seemed reluctant to match the pair up, perhaps since the clash of styles could add up to an inevitably boring bout.
“Scarface, who is undefeated under the Zuffa Banner went to decision for the third time in his past four fights against Florian at UFC 136 as he did in his UFC 129 bout with durable Canadian Mark Hominick and his WEC 48 tilt with former WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber. Six of Mendes’ past seven fights have gone to the judges’ scorecards. According to our uncannily accurate Magic 8-ball we consulted when Gina Carano said she’d be back this year, “signs point to yes,” when we asked it if this fight will go the distance.