During his appearance on the latest edition of AXS TV’s “Inside MMA,” top-ranked UFC Featherweight contender Chad Mendes spoke about his desire to fight the rising superstar Conor McGregor after he competes against Jose Aldo in their rematch for Aldo’s UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 179 later this month.
“I mean, don’t get me wrong,” Mendes started. “I’m not looking past Jose Aldo at all. I mean, obviously I’ve fought him before. I know what he feels like, his strength, his speed, his power, and I truly believe I have what it takes, and I’ve done everything done possible to do it. But God, it’s going to feel so good to punch a hole through Conor McGregor‘s face.”
The Team Alpha Male fighter continued, “The guy has been talking so much crap. The guy has got a huge hype train behind him. It’s going to feel good to get in there and just dismantle this dude.”
Mendes continued, reacting to some comments McGregor made about him in recent media appearances.
“He talks about how he’s got this huge reach on me; I’m ‘mini Mendes,’” Mendes said. “But man, I’ve been small my whole life. Every person I’ve fought in my career has had a reach advantage on me, so it’s nothing new.”
Mendes went on to compare himself to boxing legend Mike Tyson.
“I consider myself the Mike Tyson of the division with a mean blast double-leg,” said Mendes. “It’s going to feel good to get in there and, you know, get on the inside of those long arms and his movements he’s always talking about and take his head off – and if I don’t do that, I’m going to put him on his back and make it one hell of a night for him.”
Mendes concluded, “I’m definitely focused right now on Jose Aldo. I’ve got the task at hand. But whether it’s the next fight or whenever it is, I’m really looking forward to getting in there and beating the crap out of Conor McGregor.”
Check out video footage of Mendes’ appearance on “Inside MMA” via the YouTube player at the top of the page.
UFC 179: “Aldo vs. Mendes II” takes place on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at the Maracanazinho Gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Make sure to visit MMANews.com on that night for the best live UFC 179 results coverage on the web!
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