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Three-time UFC title challenger Chad Mendes is probably not achieved with fight sports activities simply but.
“Cash” was a top-ranked Featherweight contender within the World Excessive Cagefighting (WEC) and UFC for a very long time. He went to absolute battle with the likes of Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor in title fights, in addition to taking out high names of his period like Ricardo Lamas and Cub Swanson. The heavy-handed wrestler retired from UFC competitors in 2019 after a aggressive loss to Alexander Volkanovski (who turned out to be fairly good), however his retirement didn’t final too lengthy.
In 2022, Mendes returned to motion beneath the Naked Knuckle Preventing Championship (BKFC) banner. He received his first battle by way of knockout then misplaced a split-decision to Eddie Alvarez within the BKFC 2023 “Struggle of the 12 months” (watch highlights). After the Alvarez loss in April 2023, Mendes returned to retirement … for a time?
On Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2025), Mendes posted to social media and hinted at a return to fight sports activities. “The massive affords maintain coming in and I’m nonetheless all the way down to whoop some ass,” he wrote. “One thing BIG simply occurred guys…. Keep tuned.”
There are a number of doubtless choices. For one, BKFC might have come to Mendes with a suggestion he couldn’t refuse. Alternatively, Mendes defined that he was nonetheless beneath UFC contract whereas competing in naked knuckle, so there’s an opportunity he might battle once more contained in the Octagon. Lastly, World Struggle League (GFL) has been providing contracts to a lot of ex-UFC contenders, so possibly Mendes inked a brand new deal there.
A method or one other, it sounds just like the 39 yr previous isn’t achieved competing simply but.
Insomnia
I’m fairly curious to see how Mackenzie Dern adjusts for the Amanda Ribas rematch. She’s lots higher now than in 2019 however concurrently has most of the identical flaws.
The obvious reply to “The place does Kevin Lee match into this?” is as a union rep.
Kevin Lee: If doing a 50-50 break up with the fighters and the promotion would not work and that is what we see right here, then it is gonna give transparency into what this sport truly is. And whether it is an precise sport. In case you can solely pay guys 18% of the again finish and that is the one… pic.twitter.com/RF1XCuNO8a
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 7, 2025
A lot for the Gilbert Burns vs. Colby Covington beef?
I recognize Chris Curtis’ openness right here.
A bit extra Alex Pereira content material, sparring with top-ranked Middleweight contender Caio Borralho. I really feel like “Poatan” travels round and trains in every single place?
Daniel Cormier weighs in on the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall UFC negotiations.
Daniel Cormier doesn’t consider the UFC pays Jon Jones $30 million to battle Tom Aspinall:
“I’ll let you know guys, as somebody who has been concerned in huge fights, $30 million was a world away from what we have been making…
However in the event you’re asking for $30 million and find yourself with $20… pic.twitter.com/Y8HYdkGIok
— House of Struggle (@Home_of_Fight) January 8, 2025
A fairly cool little bit of battle artwork that successfully exhibits off Islam Makhachev’s well-rounded expertise.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
A stunning little bit of slip-and-rip, then that first Southpaw proper hook within the ending sequence was thrown extra like an overhand. Neat!
A fantastic battle you (most likely) didn’t see from 2024.
I don’t care if he’s preventing randoms, 44-year-old males shouldn’t be capable to battle like this.
Random Land
Prayers and greatest needs to these affected by the Palisades fires.
Midnight Music: Indie soul, 2019
Sleep effectively Maniacs! Extra martial arts insanity is all the time on the way in which.
