What would a Jose Aldo win mean for the featherweight division?In a word—nothing.Aldo still has meaningful fights at 145 that would keep Dana White and Joe Silva from looking at some sort of “superfight.” However, what we may see is Aldo start to…
What would a Jose Aldo win mean for the featherweight division?
In a word—nothing.
Aldo still has meaningful fights at 145 that would keep Dana White and Joe Silva from looking at some sort of “superfight.” However, what we may see is Aldo start to test the waters at 155 to see if he actually can compete against top-level guys in that division.
Similar to the way that Anderson Silva dipped his toe in the light heavyweight division over the years, Aldo can alternate between divisions with relative ease because of how easy he can cut weight. Naturally, Aldo is probably more accustomed to 155, so it would be interesting to see how he fares.
Though he still has meaningful fights, Aldo doesn’t have any blockbuster type fights that would excite fans. Fans would get more of a kick out of seeing him move up and fight an Anthony Pettis, or dare I say it, Gray Maynard. If he were to venture in the heavier weight class, Aldo should fully expect to be thrown to the wolves from the jump.
A win for Aldo would probably have Dustin Poirier or Eric Koch in line for a shot at the belt. But because of the organization’s reluctance for superfights, look for Aldo to test the waters in the lightweight division and work his way to a position where Silva and White have to give him a title shot in the lightweight division.
Jose Aldo will get to fight in his home country of Brazil, as UFC 142 will take place in the South America instead of the United States. The red, white and blue will still be represented, though, as Chad Mendes puts his undefeated record on the line ag…
Jose Aldo will get to fight in his home country of Brazil, as UFC 142 will take place in the South America instead of the United States. The red, white and blue will still be represented, though, as Chad Mendes puts his undefeated record on the line against Aldo in the main event.
Despite Mendes’s gaudy record, Aldo will have too much power for the American to contend with. “Scarface” is the current UFC Featherweight Champion and is trying to improve the division’s reputation with his dominance.
Aldo holds a 20-1 career MMA record, including wins over Mark Hominick and Kenny Florian since his move to UFC. Of his 20 victories, 12 of them have come via knockout, but he’s still looking for his first against a UFC opponent.
He packs a lot of punch into his 5’7” frame, which tends to surprise some of his opponents. Now that he’s fighting in the sport’s top company, however, he won’t be flying under the radar for much longer. He’s become the hunted instead of the hunter.
Mendes brings an entirely different approach to the table.
Nearly two-thirds of his professional fights have gone the distance, as he utilizes a more conservative attack. He’s not the most fan-friendly fighter because the pace of his matches are considerably slower, but he has to stick with what’s worked for him to this point.
There are two ways to look at this bout. Either Aldo will be able to assert his attacking style into it and wear Mendes down or Mendes will get it slowed to his speed and neutralize that power.
Since nobody has been able to do that latter since 2005, it’s hard to imagine Mendes pulling it off. Aldo understands what his opponent’s game plan is going to be and will be well prepared to counterattack against it.
Both guys have bright futures in the business, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them face off again in the future. That said, Aldo is the king of the division right now and will be hoping to capitalize off the exposure the main event will provide him.
That should be more than enough motivation for him to land a third-round knockout.
During the time leading up to tonight’s fight between featherweight champion Jose Aldo and Chad “Money” Mendes, we’ve seen a lot of different opinions on how Mendes is the guy to dethrone Aldo and expose him. It’s an extremely difficult task, but…
During the time leading up to tonight’s fight between featherweight champion Jose Aldo and Chad “Money” Mendes, we’ve seen a lot of different opinions on how Mendes is the guy to dethrone Aldo and expose him. It’s an extremely difficult task, but I think he actually can do it.
If you look at Aldo’s last two fights, it shows that if a fighter can withstand his initial onslaught of unorthodox and powerful striking, a fighter with outstanding cardio can push the pace and overwhelm him. When he fought Kenny Florian, he was the fresher man in the later rounds because the effects of the weight cut started to cut into Ken-Flo’s power and speed and took him out of his game plan. Some would argue that it was more of a Florian loss than an Aldo win.
In his fight against Mark Hominick, Aldo’s stamina was really called into question. Aldo blitzed Hominick early on in the fight, but Hominick was able to secure takedowns later in the fight and whittle down Aldo in the waning minutes. Even though it was not enough for a win, it raised eyebrows that Aldo was fallible.
So if Mendes wants the belt he has to use the cardio that is the calling card of Team Alpha Male fighters. Fellow Team Alpha Male fighter and former WEC champion Urijah Faber didn’t fare so well against Aldo in his attempt, but though many like to compare the two, they have a couple fundamental differences.
Mendes goes for more explosive double-leg takedowns and he sets up his takedowns with his striking. Faber goes for single-leg takedowns and doesn’t set up his takedowns as much. Mendes seems to be a little stronger in this weight class than Faber was, so if he does secure a takedown, he will be able to use his strength to keep Aldo down.
All in all, Mendes will work with Faber and devise a plan of action that won’t allow him to get kicked in the leg a million times, and will also allow him to control the fight and dictate the pace. I look for Mendes to disguise his takedowns and beat Aldo up on the ground and shock the country.
When Chad Mendes travels to Rio de Janeiro to fight Jose Aldo he’ll put more than just his undefeated mark on the line.Aldo is the current UFC Featherweight Champion and has lost only one fight in his career.The 25-year-old is not only the favorite and…
When Chad Mendes travels to Rio de Janeiro to fight Jose Aldo he’ll put more than just his undefeated mark on the line.
Aldo is the current UFC Featherweight Champion and has lost only one fight in his career.
The 25-year-old is not only the favorite and current title holder, but he also has the privilege of fighting in front of hometown crowd.
In September of 2010, Aldo defended his then WEC Featherweight Championship and was promoted to UFC Featherweight Champion, the first ever of its kind, when WEC merged with UFC.
He’s since defended his title twice – both wins by unanimous decision.
His challenger, American Chad Mendes, has never fought outside the US, but is more than capable of pulling off the win in Rio.
Mendes is 12-0 and fighting what will be only his second ever UFC fight after coming over in the merger as well.
The former Cal-Poly wrestler was supposed to get a shot at Aldo at UFC 133, but the Brazilian was still nursing injuries and Mendes went on to defeat another Brazilian, Rani Yahya, instead.
Mendes is fast-rising star in the sport, as is Aldo, and this could be the beginning of a solid rivalry.
Mendes’ wrestling style vs. Aldo’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu create an interesting matchup. Aldo’s going to work from distance offensively and should rack up points early. The longer the fight goes the more it favors Mendes though.
Stamina and endurance will come into play and if Mendes can put Aldo on his back this will quickly turn.
Aldo hasn’t been dominant in his two title defenses despite winning by unanimous decision, and Mendes, who has the tutelage of Urijah Faber – someone who has already lost to Aldo and his powerful kicks – will have given the American a ton of insight.
If Mendes can avoid mistakes early in this fight and tire out out the home country favorite, he’ll earn his first win outside of the US and the UFC Featherweight title.
Filed under: UFCIn the last edition of Fighter vs. Writer, Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold proved that he knew what he was talking about when he said he couldn’t understand why all the media picked Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, while the fighters favored Al…
In the last edition of Fighter vs. Writer, Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold proved that he knew what he was talking about when he said he couldn’t understand why all the media picked Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, while the fighters favored Alistair Overeem. Lesson learned. Maybe.
For UFC 142, I turned to a man who knows a little something about both main event combatants: former WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber.
Faber’s gone up against Jose Aldo in the cage and Chad Mendes in practice, plus he’s a pretty savvy all-around judge of character, so I expect another tough one as I look to rebound from my loss. But, just as in the UFC, there are no easy match-ups here. If there were, I would have sought them out by now, trust me.
Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes Faber: Mendes via decision. “I think it’ll be kind of a feeling out process at first, but then somebody’s going to open up. I think it’ll be an explosive first round and early second, but then Chad’s going to start getting some takedowns and grinding Aldo. I think that’s the big thing that people aren’t thinking about it, is the fatigue of a grappling match. Chad will fatigue him and, if not finish him, then hopefully win a decision.” Fowlkes: Aldo via decision. I think it’s going to be a closer fight than many people are expecting, but I just don’t see Mendes being able to outwrestle Aldo for five rounds. The Brazilian is too quick and too athletic, and he’ll have Mendes confused on the feet. Expect a close one, but also expect Aldo to get his hand raised at the end of the night/morning.
Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson Faber: Johnson via TKO. I like Vitor, and I’m a longtime fan, but I think Anthony Johnson is going to be really good at that new weight class. I’m taking Anthony, but I’m cheering for Vitor. Fowlkes: Johnson via decision. If he makes it through the first three minutes with Belfort, his chances improve greatly. Johnson’s never been knocked out and he’s got a solid ground game. If he’s smart, he’ll turn this into a grind and sap Belfort’s explosive power.
Mike Massenzio vs. Rousimar Palhares Faber: Nobody. It’s always a risky move, but it’s worked for others. Faber has declined to pick a winner here on the grounds that “I don’t really know too much about either of those guys. Under the Fighter vs. Writer unified rules, he only scores here if the bout ends in a draw or a no contest. Or if if doesn’t happen at all, for whatever reason. Does Urijah know something we don’t? Fowlkes: Palhares via submission. Due to past experiences, it always makes me uneasy when fighters refuse to pick. If there’s anyone on this card who might do something weird that results in a no contest — or just not show up at all — it’s Palhares. Still, when he has his act together he’s a very tough opponent for anyone, and my money’s on him to submit Massenzio.
Carlo Prater vs. Erick Silva Faber: Prater via decision. “I know Prater, so I guess I’ll go with him just because I’m more familiar with him.” It’s unclear if Faber realized he was going with the heavy underdog in this match-up, but name recognition still counts for something, I suppose. Fowlkes: Silva via TKO. Prater’s been around, it’s true. But most of the known guys he’s fought ended up beating him, while Silva is a bright young prospect that the UFC’s pretty hot on. I don’t see him doing anything to screw that up here.
Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim Faber: Etim via TKO. “I’m going to go with Terry. He’s got really great striking and some good finishes if it goes to the ground, so I think he’ll have the edge.” Fowlkes: Barboza via decision. I still think Etim’s a good underdog pick, given the 2-1 odds, but this looks like a close fight that’s likely to go to decision. If it does, Barboza’s active, flashy style should wow the judges enough to earn the nod. Having the crowd on his side won’t hurt, either.
Filed under: UFCIn the last edition of Fighter vs. Writer, Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold proved that he knew what he was talking about when he said he couldn’t understand why all the media picked Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, while the fighters favored Al…
In the last edition of Fighter vs. Writer, Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold proved that he knew what he was talking about when he said he couldn’t understand why all the media picked Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, while the fighters favored Alistair Overeem. Lesson learned. Maybe.
For UFC 142, I turned to a man who knows a little something about both main event combatants: former WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber.
Faber’s gone up against Jose Aldo in the cage and Chad Mendes in practice, plus he’s a pretty savvy all-around judge of character, so I expect another tough one as I look to rebound from my loss. But, just as in the UFC, there are no easy match-ups here. If there were, I would have sought them out by now, trust me.
Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes Faber: Mendes via decision. “I think it’ll be kind of a feeling out process at first, but then somebody’s going to open up. I think it’ll be an explosive first round and early second, but then Chad’s going to start getting some takedowns and grinding Aldo. I think that’s the big thing that people aren’t thinking about it, is the fatigue of a grappling match. Chad will fatigue him and, if not finish him, then hopefully win a decision.” Fowlkes: Aldo via decision. I think it’s going to be a closer fight than many people are expecting, but I just don’t see Mendes being able to outwrestle Aldo for five rounds. The Brazilian is too quick and too athletic, and he’ll have Mendes confused on the feet. Expect a close one, but also expect Aldo to get his hand raised at the end of the night/morning.
Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson Faber: Johnson via TKO. I like Vitor, and I’m a longtime fan, but I think Anthony Johnson is going to be really good at that new weight class. I’m taking Anthony, but I’m cheering for Vitor. Fowlkes: Johnson via decision. If he makes it through the first three minutes with Belfort, his chances improve greatly. Johnson’s never been knocked out and he’s got a solid ground game. If he’s smart, he’ll turn this into a grind and sap Belfort’s explosive power.
Mike Massenzio vs. Rousimar Palhares Faber: Nobody. It’s always a risky move, but it’s worked for others. Faber has declined to pick a winner here on the grounds that “I don’t really know too much about either of those guys. Under the Fighter vs. Writer unified rules, he only scores here if the bout ends in a draw or a no contest. Or if if doesn’t happen at all, for whatever reason. Does Urijah know something we don’t? Fowlkes: Palhares via submission. Due to past experiences, it always makes me uneasy when fighters refuse to pick. If there’s anyone on this card who might do something weird that results in a no contest — or just not show up at all — it’s Palhares. Still, when he has his act together he’s a very tough opponent for anyone, and my money’s on him to submit Massenzio.
Carlo Prater vs. Erick Silva Faber: Prater via decision. “I know Prater, so I guess I’ll go with him just because I’m more familiar with him.” It’s unclear if Faber realized he was going with the heavy underdog in this match-up, but name recognition still counts for something, I suppose. Fowlkes: Silva via TKO. Prater’s been around, it’s true. But most of the known guys he’s fought ended up beating him, while Silva is a bright young prospect that the UFC’s pretty hot on. I don’t see him doing anything to screw that up here.
Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim Faber: Etim via TKO. “I’m going to go with Terry. He’s got really great striking and some good finishes if it goes to the ground, so I think he’ll have the edge.” Fowlkes: Barboza via decision. I still think Etim’s a good underdog pick, given the 2-1 odds, but this looks like a close fight that’s likely to go to decision. If it does, Barboza’s active, flashy style should wow the judges enough to earn the nod. Having the crowd on his side won’t hurt, either.
What would a Jose Aldo win mean for the featherweight division?
In