Jose Aldo defends title against Chad Mendes in UFC's return to LA on Aug. 2
The UFC is returning to Los Angeles and bringing a title fight with it.
Jose Aldo will defend the UFC featherweight title against Chad Mendes for a second time in the main event of UFC 176 on Aug. 2 at Staples Center, the organization announced Sunday night. Aldo defeated Mendes in January 2012 by knockout in the first round, but the finish was slightly controversial because it came right after Aldo illegally held the cage to stop a takedown.
Since then, Aldo (24-1) has continued to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and some would even put him atop that list. He has held the WEC/UFC featherweight title for five years and defended the belt eight times. The Brazilian has not lost a fight at all since 2005 and has reeled off six straight wins in the UFC.
Aldo, 27, is coming off a complete unanimous decision victory over Ricardo Lamas at UFC 169 on Feb. 1. The Nova Uniao product has nary even been challenged by his opponents.
Many believe Mendes (16-1) could be one of his toughest tests. The athletic former college wrestler's lone career loss came to Aldo two years ago and he has looked dominant since then with five straight wins, including four knockouts.
Mendes, 29, beat Nik Lentz by unanimous decision at FOX UFC Saturday in December to set up this title fight. The Team Alpha Male product is ranked No. 1 among featherweight contenders in the official UFC rankings.
Aldo-Mendes II will act as the headliner for the UFC's return to LA. The organization hasn't been since 2009 when Lyoto Machida defeated Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 104. No other fights have been announced for UFC 176 as of yet.
