UFC 164 Results: Chad Mendes Wants Jose Aldo or Ricardo Lamas Next

Team Alpha Male standout Chad Mendes did everything in his power to make sure he wasn't the odd man out in the crowded featherweight title picture, becoming the first man to knock out Clay Guida in his 44 professional fights.

With the decisive victory, "Money" has now made it four straight victories, all knockouts, since losing to divisional champ Jose Aldo at UFC 142 in January. 

Mendes believes he's done enough to earn a rematch with "Scarface" and he also has a backup plan in mind if Aldo isn't healthy enough to get back inside the Octagon sometime soon.

"

Alright @josealdojunior it's time for the rematch. I am the #1 contender...... period! Lets do this.

— chad mendes (@chadmendes) September 1, 2013

"

"

 

"

And If Aldo is hurt give me @RicardoLamasMMA we can prove #1. I'm game...r u?

— chad mendes (@chadmendes) September 1, 2013"

"

Mendes, the top-ranked 145-pounder in the UFC's official rankings, would likely have a tough matchup on his hands with Ricardo Lamas, who is also riding a four-fight win streak. 

Lamas has finished top contenders Cub Swanson and Erik Koch since reinventing himself at featherweight, staking a claim for the next crack at Aldo. 

The top dog at featherweight, Aldo has won an incredible 16 bouts in a row, most recently taking out fan favorite Chan-Sung Jung at UFC 163 earlier this month. 

Aldo's next move remains unclear, as both newly crowned lightweight champ Anthony Pettis and UFC President Dana White have expressed an interest in a Pettis-Aldo superfight, but a knee injury leaves "Showtime's" return date up in the air (via MMA Junkie). 

Adding improved boxing and serious knockout power to his solid wrestling base, has Mendes done enough to earn a second chance to crack the Aldo puzzle?

John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com.