Many people think Chad Mendes (Pictured) looks a lot like Urijah Faber. Shoot, featherweight champion Jose Aldo believes they’re practically the same fighter. However, when the lights come on this Saturday at UFC 142, “Money” promises to step into the spotlight and prove to the world that he’s nothing like his longtime friend and tutor.
“Urijah is my mentor and he’s played a key role in helping me develop a strategy for this fight,” Mendes expressed. “He knows where Jose is strong and where he’s not, but Urijah’s style and my style are completely different.
“[Faber] shoots a lot of single legs and has incredible speed. For me, I have an explosive style of wrestling that knocks guys off their feet. I don’t think Jose has fought anyone like me.”
Faber was the Jose Aldo of the 145-pound division long before there ever was a JOSE ALDO. “Scarface” captured the crown from Mike Brown, the man who upset Faber for his title, and then did THIS to Faber several months later to solidify his spot as the most lethal assassin in the weight class.
Aldo holds a significant standup advantage over his peers, and facing Mendes will be no different. Knowing the odds are stacked firmly against his protégé, Faber and his Alpha Male squad made sure they prepared Mendes to unleash the performance of a lifetime.
“We’ve worked on that in camp, particularly in getting ready for his striking. Without giving away too much strategy, I am really confident in my ability to take this fight where I want it,” Mendes said of his intentions. “This is the moment I’ve been waiting for since I was a kid.
“A few years ago, I’d never fought outside of California. Saturday, I’m walking into the Octagon in Rio and I’m planning on leaving with the UFC featherweight title.”
UFC 142 takes place inside HSBC Arena in Rio de Jenairo, Brazil. Aldo and Mendes will headline the pay-per-view broadcast.
Original Story:
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January 12, 2012
