Jose Aldo Set to Rematch Chad Mendes at UFC 176
Having rolled through most of the UFC featherweight competition, champion Jose Aldo is starting to work his way back through the list of contenders.
Next up for Aldo is a rematch with Chad Mendes at UFC 176 on Aug. 2 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
UFC officials on Sunday confirmed the fight first reported by the L.A. Times.
Aldo (24-1) hasn’t lost a fight in the past nine years, running his unbeaten streak to 17 consecutive bouts with a victory over Ricardo Lamas at UFC 169 in February. He’s run roughshod over everyone that first the WEC and now the UFC has put before him.
A superfight with UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis nearly came to fruition, but an injury to Pettis and timing put a damper on those plans.
Aldo will instead put his belt on the line against Mendes, whom he already defeated, handily, at UFC 142 in early 2012.
The knockout loss to Aldo, however, has been the only blemish on Mendes’ record, which currently stands at 16-1.
After losing to Aldo, Mendes went on a rampage, putting together five consecutive victories, knockout out four of his five opponents. His victims included the likes of Clay Guida, Darren Elkins, and Nik Lentz, putting Mendes back at the top of the list of challengers.
Without a superfight or an Aldo move up to lightweight currently in the cards, Mendes heads the field of contenders who want a shot – or another shot – at Aldo.
No other bouts have yet to be revealed for the UFC 176 fight card.
