Chad Mendes went 5-0 since his first bout with Aldo in 2012, and he’s scheduled to face the UFC featherweight champion again in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Oct. 25. Despite his stoppage wins over the past couple years, Aldo doesn’t see any evolution heading into UFC 179.
“The only different thing now is the age. The rest remains the same,” Aldo told the Brazilian media during a UFC 179 media day in Rio. “I’m more experienced now, so I know what to do. I don’t see any difference on him. He beat guys that weren’t well ranked, but he deserves (another title shot). He’s one of the best in this division, but I will go there and beat him.”
Since his first-round loss to Aldo at UFC 142, The Team Alpha Male product defeated Nik Lentz, Clay Guida, Darren Elkins, Yaotzin Meza and Cody McKenzie, but Aldo says that the level of competition Mendes has faced is the reason why he started finishing fights.
“He hasn’t fought anyone ranked, and I’ve been fighting all the challengers,” he said. “But I’m going back to the gym, get my strategy ready and defeat him one more time.”
Despite Mendes’ recent TKO victories, Aldo doubts he will try to stand and bang against him at UFC 179.
“I don’t think he will, but I really hope he does,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the only way, actually, he doesn’t have much choice. I respect his wrestling, that’s his home, but it’s hard to take me down. He will have to fight me standing.”
Aldo shoved Mendes during the media day at the Maracana stadium on Tuesday, but he guarantees he has nothing personal against Mendes.
“If it’s personal or not, I don’t see any problem with that either,” he said. “I will go straight forward and beat him again, that’s what matters to me.”
Chad Mendes went 5-0 since his first bout with Aldo in 2012, and he’s scheduled to face the UFC featherweight champion again in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Oct. 25. Despite his stoppage wins over the past couple years, Aldo doesn’t see any evolution heading into UFC 179.
“The only different thing now is the age. The rest remains the same,” Aldo told the Brazilian media during a UFC 179 media day in Rio. “I’m more experienced now, so I know what to do. I don’t see any difference on him. He beat guys that weren’t well ranked, but he deserves (another title shot). He’s one of the best in this division, but I will go there and beat him.”
Since his first-round loss to Aldo at UFC 142, The Team Alpha Male product defeated Nik Lentz, Clay Guida, Darren Elkins, Yaotzin Meza and Cody McKenzie, but Aldo says that the level of competition Mendes has faced is the reason why he started finishing fights.
“He hasn’t fought anyone ranked, and I’ve been fighting all the challengers,” he said. “But I’m going back to the gym, get my strategy ready and defeat him one more time.”
Despite Mendes’ recent TKO victories, Aldo doubts he will try to stand and bang against him at UFC 179.
“I don’t think he will, but I really hope he does,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the only way, actually, he doesn’t have much choice. I respect his wrestling, that’s his home, but it’s hard to take me down. He will have to fight me standing.”
Aldo shoved Mendes during the media day at the Maracana stadium on Tuesday, but he guarantees he has nothing personal against Mendes.
“If it’s personal or not, I don’t see any problem with that either,” he said. “I will go straight forward and beat him again, that’s what matters to me.”
