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'{{short description|American collegiate wrestler and MMA fighter}} {{use mdy dates|date=January 2016}} {{Infobox martial artist | name = Chad Mendes | nickname = Money | image = Chad Mendes.jpeg | image_size = | caption = Mendes at the [[UFC 232]] fight event in [[Inglewood, California]] in December 2018 | birth_name = Chad Scott Mendes | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|05|01}} | birth_place = [[Hanford, California]], U.S. | residence = | nationality = American | height = {{height|ft=5|in=6}}<ref name=sherdogofficial /> | weight = 145 lb<ref name=sherdogofficial /> | weight_class = [[Featherweight (MMA)|Featherweight]] | reach = 66 in<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC179/printFightCard|title=Fight Card – UFC 179 Aldo vs. Mendes 2 |publisher=UFC.com|accessdate=October 28, 2014}}</ref> | stance = | fighting_out_of = [[Sacramento, California]], U.S. | team = [[Team Alpha Male]]<ref name="sherdog.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdog-Prospect-Watch-Chad-Mendes-16686|title=Sherdog Prospect Watch: Chad Mendes|work=Sherdog}}</ref> | rank = | wrestling = [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] [[Collegiate wrestling|Wrestling]]<ref name=UFCprofile>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Chad-Mendes|title=Chad Mendes – Official UFC Fighter Profile|publisher=UFC.com|accessdate=April 5, 2015}}</ref> | years_active = 2008{{ndash}}2018 | mma_kowin = 8 | mma_subwin = 2 | mma_decwin = 8 | mma_koloss = 4 | mma_subloss = | mma_decloss = 1 | mma_draw = | mma_nc = | university = [[California Polytechnic State University]] | spouse = | relatives = | school = [[Hanford Joint Union High School District|Hanford High School]] | sherdog = 38393 | footnotes = }} '''Chad Scott Mendes''' (born May 1, 1985)<ref name=sherdogofficial>{{Sherdog}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20161010093651/http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chad-Mendes-38393 Archived] from the original on October 10, 2016.</ref> is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed as a [[Featherweight (MMA)|Featherweight]] in the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]. {{As of|2019|January|2|df=US}}, he is #8 in official [[List of current UFC fighters#Rankings|UFC featherweight rankings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/rankings|title=Fighter Rankings {{!}} UFC ®|website=UFC|access-date=2019-01-02}}</ref> ==Wrestling career== ===NCAA=== Mendes wrestled for [[California Polytechnic State University|Cal Poly]] in [[San Luis Obispo, California]]. He finished his career with an overall record of 64–24 and twice earned NCAA All-American honors. As a senior, Mendes finished the year with a 30–1 record; he placed 2nd in the 2008 NCAA championships at 141&nbsp;lb., falling to Ohio State's J Jaggers in the title match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=46731 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-06-25 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711112925/http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=46731 |archivedate=July 11, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> That year, Mendes was Pac-10 Wrestler of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=47571 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-06-25 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711112937/http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=47571 |archivedate=July 11, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ==Mixed martial arts career== ===Early career=== After the conclusion of his collegiate career, Mendes began to train with the mixed martial arts team Team Alpha Male.<ref name="sherdog.com"/> He began fighting for the [[Palace Fighting Championship]] and went undefeated.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} ===World Extreme Cagefighting=== Mendes made his [[World Extreme Cagefighting|WEC]] debut against [[Erik Koch]] on March 6, 2010 at [[WEC 47]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/chad-mendes-vs-erik-koch-on-for-wec-columbus-2 |title=CHAD MENDES VS. ERIK KOCH ON FOR WEC COLUMBUS |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2010-01-26}}</ref> 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.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} Mendes faced [[Anthony Morrison]], replacing an injured [[Mackens Semerzier]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/18631/chad-mendes-replaces-mackens-semerzier-faces-anthony-morrison-at-wec-48.mma|title=Chad Mendes replaces Mackens Semerzier, faces Anthony Morrison at WEC 48|publisher=mmajunkie.com|accessdate=2010-04-08|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120713035105/mmajunkie.com/news/18631/chad-mendes-replaces-mackens-semerzier-faces-anthony-morrison-at-wec-48.mma#|archive-date=July 13, 2012|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref> on April 24, 2010 at [[WEC 48]]. He won via first round submission.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} Mendes faced [[Cub Swanson]] on August 18, 2010 at [[WEC 50]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/chad-mendes-vs-cub-swanson-at-wec-50-in-august-2 |title=Chad Mendes vs Cub Swanson AT WEC 50 in August |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date=2010-06-22}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28).{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} Mendes faced [[Javier Vazquez (fighter)|Javier Vazquez]] on November 11, 2010 at [[WEC 52]] and defeated him via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20720/wec-52-additions-include-bowles-fabiano-mendes-vazquez-grispi-koch.mma |title=WEC 52 additions include Mendes-Vazquez |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2010-09-20 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922153841/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20720/wec-52-additions-include-bowles-fabiano-mendes-vazquez-grispi-koch.mma |archivedate=September 22, 2010 |df=mdy }}</ref> Mendes was able to utilize his improved striking to compliment 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.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} ===Ultimate Fighting Championship=== 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=October 28, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031080229/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |archivedate=October 31, 2010 |df=mdy }}</ref> Mendes made his UFC debut against returning veteran and judo black belt [[Michihiro Omigawa]] on February 5, 2011 at [[UFC 126]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/12/21/1890670/chad-mendes-vs-michihiro-omigawa-official-for-ufc-126 |title=Chad Mendes vs. Michihiro Omigawa Official for UFC 126 |publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=December 21, 2010}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/2/5/1977275/ufc-126-results-chad-mendes-out-works-michihiro-omigawa-wins-by|title=UFC 126 Results: Chad Mendes Outworks Michihiro Omigawa, Wins by Decision|website=bloodyelbow.com|author=Leland Roling|accessdate=February 5, 2011|date=February 5, 2011}}</ref> 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 the Hominick bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/rashad-evans-vs-phil-davis-headlines-ufc-133-jose-aldo-vs-chad-mendes-likely-delayed |title=Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis Headlines UFC 133; Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes Likely Delayed |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=May 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmafrenzy.com/18601/jose-aldo-injury-delays-ufc-featherweight-title-defense-against-chad-mendes/ |title=Jose Aldo Out of UFC 133 Featherweight Title Defense Against Chad Mendes |publisher=MMAmania.com|date=May 24, 2011}}</ref> Mendes instead faced [[Rani Yahya]] at the event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23714/chad-mendes-meets-rani-yahya-at-ufc-133-in-philadelphia.mma |title=Chad Mendes meets Rani Yahya at UFC 133 in Philadelphia |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=May 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526203557/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23714/chad-mendes-meets-rani-yahya-at-ufc-133-in-philadelphia.mma# |archive-date=May 26, 2011 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/8/6/2348939/ufc-133-results-chad-mendes-rani-yahya-mma-news|title=UFC 133 Results: Chad Mendes puts on a clinic against Rani Yahya|website=bloodyelbow.com|author=Matthew Roth|accessdate=August 6, 2011|date=August 6, 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/01/14/jose-aldo-knocks-out-chad-mendes-at-ufc-142-keeps-featherweight|title=Jose Aldo knocks out Chad Mendes at UFC 142, keeps featherweight belt|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Michael David Smith|date=2012-01-14|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/10/for-chad-mendes-a-few-seconds-a-fence-grab-and-a-long-time-to-dwell-on-a-loss|title=For Chad Mendes, a few seconds, a fence grab, and a long time to dwell on a loss|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2014-10-20|accessdate=2014-10-20}}</ref> Mendes next faced [[Cody McKenzie]] on July 7, 2012 at [[UFC 148]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28776/featherweights-chad-mendes-vs-cody-mckenzie-added-to-ufc-148.mma|title=Featherweights Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie added to UFC 148|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=May 18, 2012|access-date=May 18, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120710203256/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28776/featherweights-chad-mendes-vs-cody-mckenzie-added-to-ufc-148.mma#|archive-date=July 10, 2012|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He won the fight via first-round TKO due to a body punch.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/7/7/3144160/ufc-148-results-chad-mendes-makes-short-work-of-cody-mckenzie|title=UFC 148 Results: Chad Mendes Makes Short Work of Cody McKenzie|publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Dave Doyle|date=2012-07-07|accessdate=2012-07-07}}</ref> Mendes was expected to face [[Hacran Dias]] on December 15, 2012 at [[UFC on FX 6]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30897/hacran-dias-vs-chad-mendes-set-for-ufc-on-fx-6.mma |title=Hacran Dias vs. Chad Mendes set for UFC on FX 6 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=October 1, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003045313/http://mmajunkie.com/news/30897/hacran-dias-vs-chad-mendes-set-for-ufc-on-fx-6.mma |archivedate=October 3, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> However just days before the event, Dias pulled out of the bout citing a shoulder injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Yaotzin Meza]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/yaotzin-meza-replaces-hacran-dias-meets-chad-mendes-at-fridays-ufc-on-fx-6 |title=Yaotzin Meza replaces Hacran Dias, meets Chad Mendes at Friday's UFC on FX 6 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=December 10, 2012 |accessdate=December 10, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212131851/http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/yaotzin-meza-replaces-hacran-dias-meets-chad-mendes-at-fridays-ufc-on-fx-6 |archivedate=December 12, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> Mendes defeated Meza via KO at 3:38 in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/ufc-on-fx-6-results-chad-mendes-vs-yaotzin-meza|title=UFC on FX 6 results: Chad Mendes blasts late replacement Yaotzin Meza in first|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2012-12-15|accessdate=2012-12-15}}</ref> Mendes was expected to face [[Manvel Gamburyan]] on February 23, 2013 at [[UFC 157]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagereligion.com/2012/12/report-chad-mendes-vs-manny-gamburyan.html|title=Chad Mendes vs. Manny Gamburyan added to February's UFC 157 event|work=cagereligion.com|accessdate=December 20, 2012}}</ref> However, Gamburyan pulled out of the bout, citing a thumb injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/manny-gamburyan-forced-out-of-ufc-157-chad-mendes-awaits-new-opponent|title=Manny Gamburyan Forced Out of UFC 157; Chad Mendes Awaits New Opponent |publisher=mmaweekly.com|last=Pishna|first=Ken|date=2013-02-08|accessdate=2013-02-08}}</ref> Subsequently, Mendes was pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/with-no-opponent-chad-mendes-off-next-weeks-ufc-157-card|title=With no opponent, Chad Mendes off next week's UFC 157 card|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff |date=2013-02-08|accessdate=2013-02-08}}</ref> Mendes was expected to face [[Clay Guida]] on April 20, 2013 at [[UFC on Fox 7]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/usa-today-chad-mendes-meets-clay-guida-at-ufc-on-fox-7|title=Chad Mendes meets Clay Guida at UFC on FOX 7|publisher=mmajunkie.com| author=Dann Stupp |date=February 12, 2013}}</ref> However it was revealed on March 15 that Guida had pulled out of the bout citing an injury<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Clay-Guida-Injured-Out-of-Chad-Mendes-Fight-at-UFC-on-Fox-7-50925 |title=Clay Guida Injured, Out of Chad Mendes Fight at UFC on Fox 7 |publisher=sherdog.com |author=Greg Savage|date=2013-03-15|accessdate=2013-03-15}}</ref> and was replaced by [[Darren Elkins]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/darren-elkins-steps-in-for-clay-guida-meets-chad-mendes-at-ufc-on-fox-7 |title=Darren Elkins steps in for Clay Guida, meets Chad Mendes at UFC on FOX 7 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson |date=March 19, 2013 |accessdate=March 19, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321102551/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/darren-elkins-steps-in-for-clay-guida-meets-chad-mendes-at-ufc-on-fox-7 |archivedate=March 21, 2013 |df=mdy }}</ref> Mendes won the fight by TKO at 1:08 in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/4/20/4247130/ufc-on-fox-7-results-chad-mendes-stops-darren-elkins-by-tko-asks-for |title=UFC on FOX 7 results: Chad Mendes stops Darren Elkins by TKO |publisher=mmafighting.com |date=2013-04-20 |accessdate=2013-04-20 |author=Mike Chiapetta}}</ref> A rescheduled bout with Guida took place on August 31, 2013 at [[UFC 164]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/5/22/4355140/mma-news-chad-mendes-vs-clay-guida-ufc-164|title=Chad Mendes vs. Clay Guida targeted for UFC 164 |publisher=bloodyelbow.com |author=Mookie Alexander|date=2013-05-22|accessdate=2013-05-22}}</ref> 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. The win also earned Mendes his first ''Knockout of the Night'' bonus award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/8/31/4681646/ufc-164-results-chad-mendes-becomes-first-fighter-to-tko-clay-guida |title=UFC 164 results: Chad Mendes becomes first fighter to TKO Clay Guida |publisher=mmafighting.com |date=2013-08-31 |accessdate=2013-08-31 |author=Dave Doyle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/ufc-164-bonuses-pettis-mendes-lim-krauss-win-50000 |title=UFC 164 bonuses: Pettis, Mendes, Lim, Krauss win $50,000 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2013-09-01 |accessdate=2013-09-01 |author=Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903060439/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/ufc-164-bonuses-pettis-mendes-lim-krauss-win-50000# |archive-date=September 3, 2013 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Mendes faced [[Nik Lentz]] on December 14, 2013 at [[UFC on Fox 9]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/17/4741654/chad-mendes-vs-nik-lentz-booked-for-ufc-on-fox-9|title=Chad Mendes vs. Nik Lentz booked for UFC on FOX 9 |publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2013-09-17|accessdate=2013-09-17}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/12/ufc-on-fox-9-results-photos-chad-mendes-wins-fifth-straight-tops-nik-lentz|title=UFC on FOX 9 results, photos: Chad Mendes wins fifth straight, tops Nik Lentz|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2013-12-13|accessdate=2013-12-13}}</ref> A rematch with [[José Aldo]] was expected to take place on August 2, 2014 as the event headliner at [[UFC 176]] for the UFC Featherweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/5/4/5682002/mma-news-jose-aldo-vs-chad-mendes-2-ufc-176-los-angeles|title=Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes 2 headlines UFC 176 in Los Angeles|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Mookie Alexander|accessdate=2014-05-04|date=2014-05-04}}</ref> However, in early July, Aldo pulled out of the bout with an injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/07/jose-aldo-out-of-ufc-176-main-event-vs-chad-mendes-with-injury|title=Jose Aldo out of UFC 176 main event vs. Chad Mendes with injury|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|accessdate=2014-07-02|date=2014-07-02}}</ref> The rematch with Aldo was subsequently rescheduled and took place on October 25, 2014 at [[UFC 179]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/11270676/rematch-jose-aldo-chad-mendes-rescheduled-ufc-179-rio|title=Aldo-Mendes rematch set for Rio|publisher=espn.go.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2014-07-27|accessdate=2014-07-27}}</ref> He became the first man to knock down Aldo by dropping him with a left hand, in the first round, Mendes and Aldo both rocked each other with clean punches, Mendes would go on to lose the fight via a very close unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-ufc-179-live-coverage-20141025-story.html#page=1|title=UFC 179: Jose Aldo beats Chad Mendes to retain featherweight title|author=Los Angeles Times|date=25 October 2014|work=latimes.com}}</ref> Despite the loss on the scorecards, Mendes was awarded his first ''Fight of the Night'' bonus award for the bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/10/26/7072013/ufc-179-bonuses-jose-aldo-vs-chad-mendes-wins-fight-of-the-night-honors|title=UFC 179 bonuses: Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes wins 'Fight of the Night' honors|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Gene Mrosko|date=2014-10-26|accessdate=2014-10-26}}</ref> The fight won [[World MMA Awards]] 2015 ''fight of the year'' award.<ref>[http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/2014-world-mma-award-winners-lawler-rousey-gastelum-mcgregor-ufc-mmajunkie 2014 World MMA Awards winners: Lawler, Rousey, Gastelum, McGregor, UFC]. MMAjunkie (2015-01-31). Retrieved on 2016-12-30.</ref> Mendes faced [[Ricardo Lamas]] on April 4, 2015 in the main event at [[UFC Fight Night 63]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/chad-mendes-vs-ricardo-lamas-headlines-ufc-fight-night-in-virginia-011815|title=Chad Mendes vs. Ricardo Lamas headlines UFC Fight Night in Virginia|publisher=foxsports.com.com|author=Damon Martin|accessdate=2015-01-18|date=2015-01-18}}</ref> Mendes won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-fight-night-fairfax-chad-mendes-ricardo-lamas-recap-040415|title=Chad Mendes stuns, stops Ricardo Lamas in first round|publisher=foxsports.com|author=Elias Cepeda|date=2015-04-04|accessdate=2015-04-04}}</ref> The win also earned Mendes his first ''Performance of the Night'' bonus award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-63-bonuses-four-get-50000-for-performance-of-the-night-efforts|title=UFC Fight Night 63 bonuses: Four get $50,000 for 'Performance of the Night' efforts|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-04-04|accessdate=2015-04-04}}</ref> On May 18, 2015 Dana White tweeted that Chad Mendes had agreed to an eight-fight contract with UFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/chad-mendes-inks-lengthy-new-ufc-deal|title=Chad Mendes Inks Lengthy New UFC Deal|date=2015-05-18|author=Ken Pishna|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}</ref> [[José Aldo]] was expected to face [[Conor McGregor]] on July 11, 2015 at [[UFC 189]] for the undisputed [[UFC Featherweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Statement-on-UFC-189|title=Statement on UFC 189|publisher=ufc.com|date=24 June 2015}}</ref> However, in the days leading up to the fight, Aldo pulled out of the bout because of a rib injury he sustained in training. Mendes stepped in as a short notice replacement to face McGregor for the interim championship.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/jose-aldo-officially-out-of-ufc-189-chad-mendes-meets-conor-mcgregor-for-interim-belt|title=Jose Aldo officially out of UFC 189; Chad Mendes meets Conor McGregor for interim belt|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2015-06-30|accessdate=2015-06-30}}</ref> McGregor won the fight via TKO in the second round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/7/12/8935781/ufc-189-results-chad-mendes-conor-mcgregor|title=UFC 189 results: Conor McGregor finishes Chad Mendes after surviving two brutal rounds|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Thomas Myers|date=2015-07-12|accessdate=2015-07-12}}</ref> Mendes faced [[Frankie Edgar]] on December 11, 2015 at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber#The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale]].<ref name="TUF22HL">{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/8/25/9208815/ufc-tuf-report-frankie-edgar-vs-chad-mendes-mma-news|title=Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes to headline TUF 22 Finale|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Lucas Rezende|date=2015-08-25|accessdate=2015-08-25}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/tuf-22-finale-results-frankie-edgar-lands-first-round-knockout-bomb-on-chad-mendes|title=TUF 22 Finale results: Frankie Edgar lands first-round knockout bomb on Chad Mendes|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco|date=2015-12-12|accessdate=2015-12-12}}</ref> After returning from his suspension and two-and-a-half years away from the sport, Mendes faced [[Myles Jury]] on July 14, 2018 at [[UFC Fight Night 133]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/5/7/17328618/chad-mendes-return-myles-jury-ufc-fight-night-boise-mma-featherweight-news|title=Chad Mendes returns against Myles Jury at UFC Boise|website=bloodyelbow.com |author=Nick Baldwin|date=2018-05-07|accessdate=2018-05-07}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/07/ufc-fight-night-133-boise-results-chad-mendes-returns-big-tko-myles-jury-knockout|title=UFC Fight Night 133 results: Chad Mendes returns for big TKO of Myles Jury|date=2018-07-15|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-07-15|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] award.<ref name="MMAjunkie">{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/07/ufc-fight-night-133-boise-bonuses-niko-price-chad-mendes-raoni-barcelos-kurt-holobaugh-50000|title=UFC Fight Night 133 bonuses: You know Niko Price's hammerfists got him $50,000|date=2018-07-15|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-07-15|language=en-US}}</ref> Mendes faced [[Alexander Volkanovski]] on December 29, 2018 at [[UFC 232]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/chad-mendes-vs-alex-volkanovski-ufc-232-featherweight-las-vegas|title=Chad Mendes vs. Alex Volkanovski joins UFC 232 lineup in Las Vegas|date=2018-11-06|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-232-results-highlights-alexander-volkanovski-stops-chad-mendes-in-all-out-battle/|title=UFC 232 results, highlights: Alexander Volkanovski stops Chad Mendes in all-out battle|website=CBSSports.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-30}}</ref> This fight earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|''Fight of the Night'']] award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-232-Bonuses-Nunes-Volkanovski-Mendes-Hall-Capture-3650K-Awards-147623|title=UFC 232 Bonuses: Nunes, Volkanovski, Mendes, Hall Capture $50K Awards|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-12-30}}</ref> Following the loss, Mendes announced his retirement from the sport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/chad-mendes-retires-from-mma-after-ufc-232-loss/|title=Chad Mendes retires from MMA after UFC 232 loss|date=2018-12-30|website=bjpenn.com|access-date=2018-12-30}}</ref> == Doping violations and suspension == On June 10, 2016, the UFC announced that Mendes had been informed of a potential doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition test conducted by [[USADA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Statement-on-Chad-Mendes-061016|title=UFC statement on Chad Mendes|publisher=ufc.com|author=Staff|date=2016-06-10|accessdate=2016-06-10}}</ref> Mendes responded, "I didn't do my homework and that was a big mistake. I own it and I'm going to pay for it."<ref>Mckeever, Lewis. (2016-06-19) [http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/6/19/11972936/ufc-mma-news-chad-mendes-usada-anti-doping-violation Chad Mendes comments on potential USADA violation: 'I didn't do my homework'", by Lewis Mckeever]. Bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved on 2016-12-30.</ref> He claims the cause was from a topical cream used to treat his psoriasis. On July 20, 2016, USADA reported that Mendes tested positive for [[GHRP-6]], a [[growth hormone]] release stimulator, and suspended Mendes for 20 years.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/7/20/12239616/chad-mendes-gets-two-year-suspension-from-usada-for-testing-positive|title=Chad Mendes gets two-year suspension from USADA for testing positive for PED|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2016-07-20|accessdate=2016-07-20}}</ref> He was not eligible to compete again until June 10, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/1/17304900/chad-mendes-takes-responsibility-for-his-usada-suspension-i-messed-up|title=Chad Mendes takes responsibility for his USADA suspension: 'I messed up'|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-05-04}}</ref> ==Submission Grappling== Mendes competed in Submission Underground 3 on January 30, 2017, where he defeated Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and 27 time [[Grapplers Quest]] champion, [[Jeff Glover]] in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/1/30/14435592/submission-underground-3-results-tonon-glover-beaten-by-ufc-fighters}}</ref> ==Personal life== Mendes is of [[Portugal|Portuguese]], [[Italy|Italian]], [[Puerto Rico|Puerto Rican]], [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]], and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] descent.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=chadmendes|author=chad mendes|number=72528434013814784|date=23 May 2011|title=Portuguese,Italian,puerto rican,Irish n Indian RT @Camilascloset: @chadmendes Hey, what's ur nationality? hubby and I have a bet going lol}}</ref> Mendes founded the hunting and fishing guide service Finz and Featherz.<ref>{{cite web|title=American Elements: Chad Mendes|url= http://www.carbontv.com/videos/0_ens3obn1|publisher=CarbonTV.com|accessdate=July 27, 2016}}</ref> ===Melbourne Brawl=== On the night of April 23rd 2018 Chad Mendes was arrested in Boxhill Melbourne Australia. He had gotten into a confrontation with a local engineering student. The Engineering student who goes by the name Saed Bin Saed, told his local station, that the clearly frustrated Mendes refused to take a photo with him and smashed his Huawei Mate 9 on the floor. Mr Bin Saed at this point "saw red", as he described it, in the heat of the moment he shot a double leg and took Chad down, the interim title fighter sprang back up to his feet, and returned a one two. Mr Bin Saed quickly and promptly contacted "the boys", as he described it. Swiftly and efficiently a skyline GTT 1996 made it's way down the street, "the boys" had arrived. Aboud, Abdi, Ibby, Moey Dw and Kazza the slazza had all arrived. The situation was desclated promptly by "the boys", Chad and his entourage left Boxhill that same night, they chose not to press charges. ===Battery charges=== Mendes was charged with battery for alleged involvement in a bar fight on July 29, 2012 in his hometown of [[Hanford, California]]. The Kings County District Attorney's Office announced on August 25, 2012, that it would seek a battery charge against Mendes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/chad-mendes-now-facing-criminal-charge/article_d6f138a8-ee4d-11e1-9a89-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Chad Mendes now facing criminal charge|author=Joe Johnson|work=Hanford Sentinel}}</ref> The charges were dropped after Mendes pleaded no contest to a count of public disturbance and paid a fine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/10/22/3540602/for-chad-mendes-battery-charges-dropped-as-d-a-accepts-no-contest|title=Battery charges against Chad Mendes dropped as D.A. accepts no contest plea to public disturbance|publisher=MMAFighting.com |date=October 22, 2012 |accessdate=October 22, 2012}}</ref> ==Championships and accomplishments== ===Mixed martial arts=== *'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]''' **[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Clay Guida]]}} **[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (Two times) {{small|vs. [[José Aldo]] and [[Alexander Volkanovski]]}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/1/17304900/chad-mendes-takes-responsibility-for-his-usada-suspension-i-messed-up|title=Chad Mendes takes responsibility for his USADA suspension: 'I messed up'|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-05-04}}</ref> **[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (Two times) {{small|vs. [[Ricardo Lamas]] and [[Myles Jury]]}}<ref name="MMAjunkie"/> **Most knockouts in UFC Featherweight history (6) - tied with [[Conor McGregor]] *'''[[World MMA Awards]]''' **2014 Fight of the Year<small> vs. [[José Aldo]] at [[UFC 179]]</small> *'''[[ESPN]]''' ** 2014 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[José Aldo]] at [[UFC 179]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/12136764/jose-aldo-chad-mendes-produced-2014-fight-year|title=Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes produced 2014's Fight of the Year|work=ESPN.com}}</ref> *'''BloodyElbow.com''' **2014 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[José Aldo]] at [[UFC 179]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/1/19/7853375/bloody-elbow-2014-year-end-awards-results|title=Bloody Elbow 2014 Year-End Awards – Results|author=Tim Burke|work=Bloody Elbow}}</ref> *'''[[MMAJunkie.com]]''' **2014 Fight of the Year <small>vs. [[José Aldo]] at [[UFC 179]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/12/mmajunkies-fight-of-the-year-for-2014-a-rematch-tops-our-list|title=MMAjunkie’s ‘Fight of the Year’ for 2014 – a rematch tops our list – MMAjunkie|work=MMAjunkie}}</ref> **2014 October Fight of the Month <small>vs. [[José Aldo]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/mmajunkies-fight-of-the-month-for-october-2014-as-if-you-didnt-know|title=MMAjunkie’s ‘Fight of the Month’ for October 2014 (as if you didn’t know) – MMAjunkie|work=MMAjunkie}}</ref> ===Collegiate wrestling=== *'''[[National Collegiate Athletic Association]]''' **[[Division I (NCAA)|NCAA Division I]] [[All-American#Wrestling|All-American]] (2006, 2008) **[[Pacific-10 Conference|Pac-10 Conference]] Championship (2006, 2008) **[[Pacific-10 Conference|Pac-10 Conference]] Wrestler of the Year (2008) **[[NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] 125&nbsp;lb: 6th place <small>out of [[Cal Poly Mustangs|Cal Poly]]</small> (2006)<ref name=UFCprofile/> **[[NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] 141&nbsp;lb: Runner-up <small>out of [[Cal Poly Mustangs|Cal Poly]]</small> (2008)<ref name=UFCprofile/> ==Mixed martial arts record== {{MMArecordbox | draws= | nc= | ko-wins= 8 | ko-losses= 4 | sub-wins= 2 | sub-losses= | dec-wins= 8 | dec-losses= 1 | dq-wins= | dq-losses= | other-wins= | other-losses= }} {{MMA record start}} |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center|18–5 |[[Alexander Volkanovski]] |TKO (punches) |[[UFC 232]] |{{dts|2018|December|29}} |align=center|2 |align=center|4:14 |[[Inglewood, California]], United States |{{small|Fight of the Night.}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center|18–4 |[[Myles Jury]] |TKO (punches) |[[UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov]] |{{dts|2018|July|14}} |align=center|1 |align=center|2:51 |[[Boise, Idaho]], United States |{{small|Performance of the Night.}} |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center|17–4 |[[Frankie Edgar]] |KO (punch) |[[The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber#The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale]] |{{dts|2015|December|11}} |align=center|1 |align=center|2:28 |[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States | |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center|17–3 |[[Conor McGregor]] |TKO (punches) |[[UFC 189]] |{{dts|2015|July|11}} |align=center|2 |align=center|4:57 |[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States |{{small|For the interim [[UFC Featherweight Championship]].}} |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 17–2 | [[Ricardo Lamas]] | TKO (punches) | [[UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas]] | {{dts|2015|April|4}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 2:45 | [[Fairfax, Virginia]], United States | {{small|Performance of the Night.}} |- | {{no2}}Loss | align=center| 16–2 | [[José Aldo]] | Decision (unanimous) | [[UFC 179]] | {{dts|2014|October|25}} | align=center| 5 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil | {{small|For the [[UFC Featherweight Championship]]. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year (2014).}} |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 16–1 | [[Nik Lentz]] | Decision (unanimous) | [[UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2]] | {{dts|2013|December|14}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Sacramento, California]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 15–1 | [[Clay Guida]] | TKO (punches) | [[UFC 164]] | {{dts|2013|August|31}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 0:30 | [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], United States | {{small|Knockout of the Night.}} |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 14–1 | [[Darren Elkins]] | TKO (punches) | [[UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez]] | {{dts|2013|April|20}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:08 | [[San Jose, California]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 13–1 | [[Yaotzin Meza]] | KO (punches) | [[UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson]] | {{dts|2012|December|15}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:55 | [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], Australia | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 12–1 | [[Cody McKenzie]] | TKO (body punch) | [[UFC 148]] | {{dts|2012|July|7}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 0:31 | [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States | |- | {{no2}}Loss | align=center| 11–1 | [[José Aldo]] | KO (knee) | [[UFC 142]] | {{dts|2012|January|14}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 4:59 | [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil | {{small| For the [[UFC Featherweight Championship]].}} |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 11–0 | [[Rani Yahya]] | Decision (unanimous) | [[UFC 133]] | {{dts|2011|August|6}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 10–0 | [[Michihiro Omigawa]] | Decision (unanimous) | [[UFC 126]] | {{dts|2011|February|5}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 9–0 | [[Javier Vazquez (fighter)|Javier Vazquez]] | Decision (unanimous) | [[WEC 52]] | {{dts|2010|November|11}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 8–0 | [[Cub Swanson]] | Decision (unanimous) | [[WEC 50]] | {{dts|2010|August|18}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 7–0 | [[Anthony Morrison]] | Submission (guillotine choke) | [[WEC 48]] | {{dts|2010|April|24}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 2:13 | [[Sacramento, California]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 6–0 | [[Erik Koch]] | Decision (unanimous) | [[WEC 47]] | {{dts|2010|March|6}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Columbus, Ohio]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 5–0 | Mike Joy | Decision (unanimous) | [[2009 in Tachi Palace Fights#TPF 1: Tachi Palace Fights 1|Tachi Palace Fights 1]] | {{dts|2009|October|8}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | [[Lemoore, California]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 4–0 | [[Steven Siler]] | KO (punches) | [[2009 in Tachi Palace Fights#TPF: Best of Both Worlds|TPF: Best of Both Worlds]] | {{dts|2009|July|16}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 0:44 | [[Lemoore, California]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 3–0 | Art Arciniega | Decision (unanimous) | [[2009 in Palace Fighting Championship#PFC: Best of Both Worlds 2|PFC: Best of Both Worlds 2]] | {{dts|2009|April|23}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 3:00 | [[Lemoore, California]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 2–0 | Leland Gridley | TKO (punches) | [[2009 in Palace Fighting Championship#PFC: Best of Both Worlds|PFC: Best of Both Worlds]] | {{dts|2009|February|6}} | align=center| 2 | align=center| 1:58 | [[Lemoore, California]], United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 1–0 | Giovanni Encarnacion | Submission (rear-naked choke) | [[2008 in Palace Fighting Championship#PFC 10: Explosive|PFC 10: Explosive]] | {{dts|2008|September|26}} | align=center| 1 | align=center| 2:06 | [[Lemoore, California]], United States | {{end}} <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chad-Mendes-38393|title=Chad|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-11-07}}</ref> ==See also== * [[List of current UFC fighters]] * [[List of male mixed martial artists]] == References == {{reflist|30em}} ==External links== * {{UFC|Chad-Mendes}} * {{Sherdog|38393}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Mendes, Chad}} [[Category:1985 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Hanford, California]] [[Category:American people of Irish descent]] [[Category:American people of Italian descent]] [[Category:American people of Portuguese descent]] [[Category:American people of Puerto Rican descent]] [[Category:American people of Native American descent]] [[Category:American sportspeople in doping cases]] [[Category:Doping cases in mixed martial arts]] [[Category:Native American sportspeople]] [[Category:American male mixed martial artists]] [[Category:Mixed martial artists from California]] [[Category:People from Kings County, California]] [[Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists]] [[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]'