UFC Fight Night Fairfax : Mendes vs. Lamas

If Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor had chosen some other sport, we would all be talking about the championship bout this weekend between Chad Mendes (-425)and Ricardo Lamas (+320). But Aldo and McGregor didn't and they are currently and probably the best media tour the UFC has ever seen completely erasing the rest of the featherweight division from the minds of fans. Nonetheless fans will be treated to a pay-per-view worthy main event this Saturday April 4th.

In Chad Mendes we have probably the best wrestler in the lighter weight classes not named Frankie Edgar. Strong, quick with tremendous doubles. At the beginning of his career he set up the takedown with nice punches and combinations. Now, like so many, he's realized he has bricks in his hands and just knocks his opponent out skipping the takedowns. And who could blame him given his recent KO ratio. He has a chin along with movement and setups that allow him to stand with little danger, unless his opponent is Jose Aldo. After his last performance against the champ, Mendes gained more fans, more respect and more grit than in any other fight or victory of his career. He also showed that to beat him you're gonna have to go through Hell to do it.

In Ricardo Lamas we have some similarities. Good wrestler, but not elite. Good striker but not one punch KO power or exceptional footwork. Good chin but Lamas has been KO'd twice. Worse of all, when Lamas faced Jose Aldo, I felt he did not give his best performance. Lamas preferred to say he went five rounds with the champ than to go all out and let the chips fall where they may a la Chad Mendes. But who can blame him? I'd love to say I went five hard rounds with Jose Aldo and lived. Regardless, Lamas' best chance at victory is in getting Chad Mendes on his back and delivering his vicious elbows and strikes.

I see Ricardo Lamas having a very difficult time with Chad Mendes and going into cruise mode to survive, which he may not. Chad Mendes has confidence for ages and his loss to Jose Aldo did nothing to deter that, may have even increased. He took everything Aldo had and struck right back. Turned the tide even. Lamas will stay in the fight, but unless a fire has been lit in him, once he realizes he's facing a much better fighter he will crawl into the same shell he did against Jose Aldo. I take Chad Mendes by grinding decision.

You might also like:
UFC Fight Night Fairfax : Masvidal vs. Iaquinta