UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo won't be able to fight at UFC 133 in Philadelphia. The reasoning is still murky, but his opponent Chad Mendes isn't going to wait around.
The unbeaten featherweight says he wants to fight in early August, so MMAWeekly reports that Mendes is taking a fight against submission specialist Rani Yahya.
SBNation think it's a bad decision for Mendez to risk the Aldo title fight:
Why is Mendes, a hungry young fighter who's been telling anyone who will listen that his belief that he can beat Aldo is at a "10" on a scale of 1-10, so quick to give up on what should be every fighter's dream? In athletics, winning, especially winning championships, is intended to be the primary motivator. Across sports you hear plenty of platitudes about being the best. Mendes has that opportunity - the chance to write his name in the history books. Instead he's willing to fight anyone else rather than wait a month or two for his shot at glory.
The site takes a stab at the reason Mendes is fighting:
It's a baffling decision - until you look a little closer, delve into the weeds a little. The culprit? The UFC's notoriously stingy fighter pay. [...] It's unconscionable to pay a title contender like Mendes $19,000 to fight. Not only does it necessitate tough decisions like this, it also creates an unbalanced playing field. With that kind of money backing him, Mendes can barely afford a world class training camp and can forget about maintaining a reasonable standard of living. Chad Mendes, the top contender to the featherweight crown, is giving up on a chance to win the championship of the world - likely because of money issues.
Or he could be fighting to stay active and has no fear of Yahya. What do you think? Why isn't Mendes waiting for Aldo?
Part of the issue, could be the confusion on Aldo's injury. He's reportedly struggling with neck issues, but recently tweeted that he's fine.
"Let me be clear I'm not hurt again, I'm not hurt. I picked up a suspension (from) the Canadian commission and therefore should only return to training (after) 30 days this month. So once again, I'm not injured."
Mendes, a former college wrestler, has only 11 professional fights under his belt. The 26-year-old could certainly use the experience, but a loss could prove incredibly costly especially with the growing depth in the 145-pound decision.
Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein Tom Big Cat Erickson
Source: http://www.fighters.com/05/17/maximo-blanco-welcome-to-strikeforce
Ryo Piranha Chonan Dan The Sandman Christison Logan The Pink Pounder Clark Steve The Snake Claveau
Source: http://www.fighters.com/05/24/is-it-finally-over-new-york-looks-to-legalize-mma
Marcus Aurelio Mikhail Avetisyan Luiz Azeredo Luciano Azevedo
Source: http://mmafrenzy.com/18599/mma-passes-in-new-york-senate-moves-to-state-assembly-for-approval/
Source: http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/91288-alan-belcher-battle-bayou-what-do.html
Lorenzo Borgomeo Kyle Bradley Jai Bradney Ebenezer Fontes Braga
Ryan Couture is carrying the torch for his family now. The 28-year-old son of legendary Randy Couture is the only family member actively fighting. His father lost some teeth and his final fight at UFC 129. Couture, the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champ, called it quits and has moved on to a career in movies.
RawVegas.tv tracked down Ryan to check on how he's doing in preparation for his third pro fight against Matt Ricehouse (4-0) at Strikeforce Challengers 16 in Kent, Wa.
Couture doesn't have a dominant skill like his father did, but because he started training in all aspects of MMA, he may actually be the more well-rounded fighter. There's a good chance he never reaches the heights his father did, but he's already off to an impressive start considering he only began working towards an MMA career in 2007.
Aleksander Emelianenko Fedor Emelianenko Yasubey Enomoto Mark Epstein
Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir sat down with MMA:30's Dave Farra and discussed his long history with the UFC, the motorcycle accident that almost ended his career, and where he is now with Dana White and the UFC. Mir also gives his thoughts on Fedor, Overeem and other heavyweights coming over to the UFC, and talks about his upcoming fight with Roy Nelson at UFC 130.Source: http://mmalice.com/frank-mir/frank-mir-talks-ufc-130-fedor-dana-overeem-nelson-video_b0936bfda.html
Wagnney Fabiano Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson Paulo Filho Mirko Cro Cop Filipović