MANILA – American fighter Chad Mendes said he doesn’t think UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has improved since the last time they fought in 2012.
Mendes added he is determined to get back at Aldo to avenge his knockout loss to the Brazilian champion in UFC 142.
"Aldo really hasn't changed anything up. He hasn't made any major improvements. I feel he's good at the things he does, and he's been beating people with that, so he hasn't had incentive to try to [improve] and make those giant gains,” said the California-based fighter in Yahoo! Sports.
In contrast, he said he has learned from his knockout defeat and made improvements in his game.
Since his defeat, he has racked five straight victories, four of them by stoppages.
"It's like I'm a different guy now. I know I've made huge improvements and I'm not intimidated or scared. I'm ready to do it and bring that belt back home with me," said Mendes.
But just like their first face off, Mendes will be flying to Brazil to face Aldo at the latter’s hometown.
The battle will be the main event of UFC 179: Aldo vs Mendes II in Rio de Janeiro this weekend.
"I can't tell you how much going through that and looking at my game so carefully after that fight and figuring out what I needed to do has changed me,” said Mendes.
No comments:
Post a Comment