Chad Mendes is one of the most decorated featherweight fighters, having fought many of the elite of the division and only having lost to the very best. He returned from a two year drug suspension to score an impressive finish over Myles Jury. At 18-1, Alexander Volkanovski is looking to break into the top ranks of the division and this is his opportunity. Volkanovski is 5-0 in the UFC thus far but hasn’t fought anyone with the reputation of Mendes.
Round 1. Volkanovski and Mendes both throw a lot of low kicks early on. It’s notable how similar the two are built physically. Their frames are almost identical, compact and muscular. Mendes opens up with a few power punches by the fence but Volkanovski covers up. Mendes shoots for a takedown at the midpoint of the round but Volkanovski blocks that. Mendes gets a takedown in the final minute but Volkanovski gets back up. Really close round. 10-9 Volkanovski.
Round 2. Volkanovski is the aggressor early with punches but Mendes rocks Volkanovski with a punch. Mendes recognizes it and he comes in swinging heavy. Mendes drops Volkanovski with another punch and has Volkanovski in trouble. Volkanovski recovers pretty well. Volkanovski answers back and appears to have Mendes in some trouble with his punches. Mendes responds by taking Volkanovski down but Volkanoski gets up quickly. Volkanovski has some more success with his punches but Mendes takes Volkanovski down and quickly takes Volkanovski’s back. Mendes looks for a choke but Volkanovski gets out and returns to his feet. Volkanovski batters Mendes with some hard punches by the cage. He drops Mendes and lands an additional fight before it is stopped.
Source: latimes.com – Los Angeles Times