Chad Mendes – ‘UFC Made It Clear They Didn’t Want to Lose Me’

Chad Mendes may be one of the UFC’s most valuable assets in the featherweight division. Other than his two championship fights with Jose Aldo, “Money” hasn’t lost a fight with a record of 17-2. He is one of the few featherweights that consistently puts on entertaining fights and could make for an interesting matchup against the loser of UFC 189.

Earlier on in May, Mendes signed an eight fight deal with the UFC and will be a warrior in the octagon for the foreseeable future.

“I’m very excited about it. I had one fight left on my contract and I was open to fighting it out and just kind of seeing what I was worth on the open market and the UFC made it pretty clear they did not want to lose me,” Mendes told FOX Sports.

Mendes most recently knocked out Ricardo Lamas in April and is ranked at the top of his division above Frankie Edgar and Conor McGregor.

“Dana and Lorenzo flew out on their private jet to Sacramento, I took them to Mikuni Sushi and we just sat down and went to work,” Mendes said. “It was cool negotiating back and forth with them and we got what we wanted and they were definitely willing to pay. I’m very happy with my contract and I’m excited to get in there and perform and earn that money.”

While his next fight isn’t lined up yet, Mendes is ready to put on a show for the fans and prove to Dana White that the money they spent on his contract was worth it.

“It feels good to finally get up there in the contract where you’re making some money and it definitely helps when you’re spending a lot doing these training camps, bringing in partners to help with your training, bringing trainers in and all the stuff you have to do. I’m excited for it, I can’t wait my next one.”

Who would you want to see Mendes fight next? Frankie Edgar or the loser of Aldo/McGregor?

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