Chad Mendes

Chad Eduardo Mendes (born May 1, 1985) is an American former professional bare-knuckle boxer, mixed martial artist, and collegiate wrestler who is currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

Mendes gained notoriety competing in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was a three-time UFC championship challenger.

Competing as a Cal Poly Mustang, he was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and a Pac-10 Conference champion in folkstyle wrestling.

Mendes wrestled for Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California.

He finished his career with an overall record of 64–14 and twice earned NCAA All-American honors at 125 pounds as a sophomore, then 141 pounds as a senior.

As a senior, Mendes finished the year with a 30–1 record; he placed 2nd in the 2008 NCAA championships at 141 lb., falling to Ohio State's J Jaggers in the title match.

That year, Mendes was Pac-10 Wrestler of the Year.

After the conclusion of his collegiate career, Mendes began to train mixed martial arts with Team Alpha Male.

He began fighting for the Palace Fighting Championship and went undefeated.

Mendes made his WEC debut against Erik Koch on March 6, 2010 at WEC 47.

He won the fight via unanimous decision, despite a cut over his right eye that was examined during the fight to see if he could continue.

Mendes faced Anthony Morrison, replacing an injured Mackens Semerzier, on April 24, 2010 at WEC 48.

He won the bout via first round submission.

Mendes faced Cub Swanson on August 18, 2010 at WEC 50.

He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28).

Mendes faced Javier Vazquez on November 11, 2010 at WEC 52 and defeated him via unanimous decision.

Mendes was able to utilize his improved striking to complement his superior wrestling to dictate where he wanted to take the action.

During the fight, Mendes used an unorthodox move when he front flipped on Vazquez who was on the ground, to land on him.

On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.

Mendes made his UFC debut against returning veteran and judo black belt Michihiro Omigawa on February 5, 2011 at UFC 126.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Following UFC 129, Dana White mentioned in the post-fight press conference that Mendes may have a shot at the title against UFC featherweight champion José Aldo.

Although the two were expected to fight on August 6, 2011 at UFC 133, Aldo would be sidelined until October recovering from various injuries sustained during his fight with Mark Hominick.

Mendes instead faced Rani Yahya at the event.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Mendes fought UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo on January 14, 2012 at UFC 142, losing at 4:59 of the first round via KO, giving Mendes his first professional loss.

Mendes next faced Cody McKenzie on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.

He won the fight via first-round TKO due to a body punch.

Mendes was expected to face Hacran Dias on December 15, 2012 at UFC on FX 6.

However, in just days before the event, Dias pulled out of the bout, citing a shoulder injury, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Yaotzin Meza.

Mendes defeated Meza via KO at 3:38 in the first round.

Mendes was expected to face Manvel Gamburyan on February 23, 2013 at UFC 157.

However, Gamburyan pulled out of the bout, citing a thumb injury.

Subsequently, Mendes was pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.

Mendes was expected to face Clay Guida on April 20, 2013 at UFC on Fox 7.

However, it was revealed on March 15 that Guida had pulled out of the bout, citing an injury, and he was replaced by Darren Elkins.

Mendes won the fight by TKO at 1:08 in the first round.

A rescheduled bout with Guida took place on August 31, 2013 at UFC 164.

After a close first and second round, Mendes finished Guida via TKO by punches in the third round and became the first man to ever finish Guida by strikes.