Chad Mendes Signs New Contract With UFC
It looks as if one of the best 145-pounders in the world will be sticking around the Octagon for quite a while longer, as news has broke that No. 1-ranked featherweight Chad “Money” Mendes has signed a new eight-fight deal with the UFC.
UFC president Dana White announced the new deal via his official Instagram account:
Known for his strong wrestling and devastating power, the Team Alpha Male product has run rampant throughout the division, currently sitting at 8-2 in his UFC career. His only two loses have come to current 145-pound champ and pound for pound king Jose Aldo.
Mendes met Aldo for the second time last October at UFC 179, rocking the champion numerous times, but ultimately losing a five-round decision in one of the best fights of the year. “Money” recently bounced back, however, starching fellow top contender Ricardo Lamas via first round knockout last April.
With a new contract set, Mendes is undoubtedly looking to get back to work, but what’s next for the former title challenger is unclear. Despite being the top-ranked featherweight, it may take some time to earn a third shot against Aldo. This could all be thrown out the window if Aldo were to lose the belt against Irish superstar Conor McGregor at UFC 189 in July, but then a possible rematch between Aldo and McGregor could be in store, leaving Mendes in the dust.
On top of all this, “Money” may not even be the next title challenger as Frankie Edgar made quite a statement this past weekend dominating Mendes’ teammate Urijah Faber. Edgar says that White owes him a title shot, and he may just get it.
Who would you like to see Mendes meet next?
