The main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 63 in Virginia will be a key featherweight bout as former title challengers meet as Chad Mendes looks to start his climb back to another title shot when he meets Ricardo Lamas.
This will be the first fight for Mendes since losing to featherweight champion Jose Aldo at UFC 179 in October and both of his defeats in the UFC have come against Aldo.
The journey to getting a third shot at the UFC 145 pound title starts on Saturday against Lamas, who he does not see any big holes in his game.
“I don’t see any big holes in his game,” Mendes said on UFC Tonight. “He’s good everywhere. But I don’t see any great area. His strongest point is his top game. He has good top control and elbows. But I’ve got a great takedown defense. I’ve never been taken down in a fight. It’s a great matchup for me. I’m more athletic, faster and stronger.”
Mendes (16-2) is one of the faces of Team Alpha Male, which is a training team that has gone through some changes over the past couple of months. The major change involved the exit of head coach Duane Ludwig and the team is now coached by Martin Kampmann.
“Duane Ludwig was our first head coach,” he said. “Now have Martin Kampmann full time. His stuff is simple, basic stuff, and that’s what wins. I’m feeling great and I’m ready to go.”
The UFC featherweight title will be on the line in July when Aldo makes his next title defense against Conor McGregor. Mendes and McGregor do not get along as the fighters have exchanged words in the past. When it comes to the upcoming title fight, Mendes will not be rooting for McGregor. However, it would be fun for him to beat up McGregor for the belt.
“I’m not cheering for McGregor,” Mendes said. “I’m excited for the fight as a fan. There’s a lot of hype going down in the media tour. I think Aldo’s going to win, but you never know. Where I’m sitting, whoever wins, it’s great for me. If Also wins, I’ll get redemption, which would be unbelievable. If Conor wins, it’ll be fun to beat him up for the belt.”