Jose Aldo headed home for UFC 142 title-defense against Chad Mendes

UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo will fulfill a lifelong dream when he fights in front of friends, family, and countrymen on January 14 at UFC 142 where he will defend his title against undefeated grappler Chad Mendes.

The event, previously rumored but now confirmed by the UFC, is believed to be taking place in Rio de Janeiro as their South American stop in August did.

Mendes has been very vocal concerning his belief that he has the dynamic Brazilian’s number based in large part on Aldo’s lackluster wrestling. With eleven wins in eleven attempts, as well as victories over apt adversaries such as Rani Yahya, Michihiro Omigawa, and Erik Koch, the 26-year old Californian’s claims certainly can’t be completely dismissed.

Mendes Sees Glaring Holes in Aldo’s Attack

The 20-1 Aldo is coming off a fairly one-sided outpointing of Kenny Florian at UFC 136 and will be putting his belt up for the third time since crossing over from WEC. He is currently on a thirteen fight winning streak including success against Mike Brown, Manny Gamburyan, Mark Hominick, and Urijah Faber.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC