Aldo and Mendes (right)

By FCF Staff

Nearly three years have gone by since Chad Mendes was KO’d by Jose Aldo at UFC 142, and heading into their rematch this Saturday at UFC 179, the featherweight is promising things will be different in their second encounter.

Since Mendes faced Aldo for the first time, the fighter has recorded five straight victories, four of which have come via TKO or knockout. The impressive performances came during a stretch where Mendes and Team Alpha Male were guided by renowned striker and coach, Duane Ludwig.

Mendes appeared on the latest edition of “UFC Tonight” this week, and while discussing Saturday’s fight with the champion, the noted wrestler stated (quote via FOX Sports 1 press release):

“I’m the only person to fight him twice. A lot of the guys fighting him experience a big intimidation factor. But I’ve gotten in there, felt his power and gotten my hands on him and I truly believe I can beat this guy. There’s little things we’ve changed up from the first time. I have the striking now and I have the ability to knock him out.”

“It’s been about two and a half years since that first fight. That was the first fight that I flew across the country and fought away from home. I didn’t know the system, I didn’t have anything down. I’ve fought four times in the UFC now. We have a head coach now. The first time we didn’t. I’ve closed some holes and tightened some things. He says he’s going to knock me out, but he’s going to be in for a rude awakening on Saturday.”

Mendes hasn’t fought since last December, when he scored a unanimous decision win over Nik Lentz at UFC on FOX 9.

Aldo, meanwhile, is coming of a UD win over Ricardo Lamas in February. The highly regarded fighter has defended the featherweight title three more times since he defeated Mendes.