UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes 'Quick Break'

These "Quick Breaks" are short breakdowns of upcoming fights in a summed-up focus of strengths, weaknesses and variables; this will analyze what could happen in the fight and end with this writer’s prediction. 

This Saturday, UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo will defend his belt against No. 1 contender Chad Mendes at UFC 142. This fight is a great matchup of styles, and has all the potential to be Fight or Knockout of the Night.

Aldo is one of the most talented Featherweights out there, and one of the pound-for-pound best in the world.

He brings great energy and vicious strikes into the cage with him and has finished most of his opponents. He is currently 20-1, and has not lost since 2005. After dominating his challengers in the WEC, he has since proven himself in the UFC in his title defenses. 

Chad Mendes, however, is a whole new challenge. Mendes possesses high-level abilities in wrestling, having a great history in NCAA wrestling back in the day. He too went through a tear in the WEC, and like his Brazilian opponent, has two decision wins since joining the UFC. Mendes is currently undefeated at 11-0. 

Both of these men have the ability to finish their opponents—especially Aldo—but both have failed to do so since the merger. This fight is not only a title defense, but also will mark the first loss for either of these men in years. 

Mendes has his squeaky-clean record and status as a top contender to defend, as well as needing to put on a performance to lead him away from the path of the “lay and pray-ers.”

Aldo, of course, has the championship to defend. He obviously will not want to end his winning streak, especially in a fight taking place in his home country. 

Aldo’s strikes are very effective, but so is Mendes’ wrestling. The ground game goes to Mendes, but the submission game could go either way.

The striking edge is most certainly in favor of Aldo, and experience is as well. Aldo has been in the fight game longer and is also a year younger than his opponent. Mendes has had a longer preparation since his last fight than Aldo.   

If Aldo can use his footwork and quickness to avoid the takedown, his striking will pick apart Mendes. Leg kicks will be a great part of his arsenal to use in this fight, but striking tends to leave you open for takedowns.

If Mendes can get Aldo on the ground, he may have a better chance of beating him from down there. But Aldo may be too fiery to hold down long. How Aldo’s weight cut goes will be crucial to his ability to match stamina with the wrestler that is Chad Mendes. 

For both men, this is an opportunity to prove something to the fans. It goes beyond a win or loss, and having a Brazilian defend his title on his home turf makes it all the more exciting. 

Prediction: Jose Aldo wins via TKO within three minutes of the second round. 

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