Chad Mendes

Mendes wrestled for Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. He finished his career with an overall record of 64–14 and twice earned NCAA All-American honors at 125 pounds as a sophomore, then 141 pounds as a senior. As a senior, Mendes finished the year with a 30–1 record; he placed 2nd in the 2008 NCAA championships at 141 lb., falling to Ohio State's J Jaggers in the title match.{{cite web |url=http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=46731 |title=Wrestling |access-date=2009-06-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711112925/http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=46731 |archive-date=July 11, 2011 |df=mdy-all }} That year, Mendes was Pac-10 Wrestler of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=47571 |title=Wrestling |access-date=2009-06-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711112937/http://gopoly.com/index.php?p=sports&tab=news&id=29931&article_id=47571 |archive-date=July 11, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}

After the conclusion of his collegiate career, Mendes began to train mixed martial arts with Team Alpha Male. He began fighting for the Palace Fighting Championship and went undefeated.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

Mendes made his WEC debut against Erik Koch on March 6, 2010 at WEC 47.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/chad-mendes-vs-erik-koch-on-for-wec-columbus-2 |title=CHAD MENDES VS. ERIK KOCH ON FOR WEC COLUMBUS |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2010-01-26}} He won the fight via unanimous decision, despite a cut over his right eye that was examined during the fight to see if he could continue.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

Mendes faced Anthony Morrison, replacing an injured Mackens Semerzier,{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/18631/chad-mendes-replaces-mackens-semerzier-faces-anthony-morrison-at-wec-48.mma|title=Chad Mendes replaces Mackens Semerzier, faces Anthony Morrison at WEC 48|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2010-04-08|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713035105/http://mmajunkie.com/news/18631/chad-mendes-replaces-mackens-semerzier-faces-anthony-morrison-at-wec-48.mma|archive-date=July 13, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} on April 24, 2010 at WEC 48. He won the bout via first round submission.{{cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/2623-wec-48-chad-money-mendes-vs-anthony-cheesesteak-morrison|title=Chad Mendes vs. Anthony Morrison|access-date=3 December 2021}}

Mendes faced Cub Swanson on August 18, 2010 at WEC 50.{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/chad-mendes-vs-cub-swanson-at-wec-50-in-august-2 |title=Chad Mendes vs Cub Swanson AT WEC 50 in August |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date=2010-06-22}} He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28).{{cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/3198-wec-50-chad-money-mendes-vs-cub-swanson|title=Chad Mendes vs. Cub Swanson

|access-date=3 December 2021}}

Mendes faced Javier Vazquez on November 11, 2010 at WEC 52 and defeated him via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20720/wec-52-additions-include-bowles-fabiano-mendes-vazquez-grispi-koch.mma |title=WEC 52 additions include Mendes-Vazquez |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922153841/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20720/wec-52-additions-include-bowles-fabiano-mendes-vazquez-grispi-koch.mma |archive-date=September 22, 2010 |df=mdy }} Mendes was able to utilize his improved striking to complement his superior wrestling to dictate where he wanted to take the action. During the fight, Mendes used an unorthodox move when he front flipped on Vazquez who was on the ground, to land on him.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031080229/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |archive-date=October 31, 2010 |df=mdy }}

Mendes made his UFC debut against returning veteran and judo black belt Michihiro Omigawa on February 5, 2011 at UFC 126.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/12/21/1890670/chad-mendes-vs-michihiro-omigawa-official-for-ufc-126 |title=Chad Mendes vs. Michihiro Omigawa Official for UFC 126 |publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=December 21, 2010}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite news|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/2/5/1977275/ufc-126-results-chad-mendes-out-works-michihiro-omigawa-wins-by|title=UFC 126 Results: Chad Mendes Outworks Michihiro Omigawa, Wins by Decision|website=bloodyelbow.com|author=Leland Roling|access-date=February 5, 2011|date=February 5, 2011}}

Following UFC 129, Dana White mentioned in the post-fight press conference that Mendes may have a shot at the title against UFC featherweight champion José Aldo. Although the two were expected to fight on August 6, 2011 at UFC 133, Aldo would be sidelined until October recovering from various injuries sustained during his fight with Mark Hominick.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/rashad-evans-vs-phil-davis-headlines-ufc-133-jose-aldo-vs-chad-mendes-likely-delayed |title=Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis Headlines UFC 133; Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes Likely Delayed |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=May 17, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://mmafrenzy.com/18601/jose-aldo-injury-delays-ufc-featherweight-title-defense-against-chad-mendes/ |title=Jose Aldo Out of UFC 133 Featherweight Title Defense Against Chad Mendes |publisher=MMAmania.com |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=May 24, 2011 |archive-date=July 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042459/https://www.mmafrenzy.com/18601/jose-aldo-injury-delays-ufc-featherweight-title-defense-against-chad-mendes/ |url-status=dead }} Mendes instead faced Rani Yahya at the event.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23714/chad-mendes-meets-rani-yahya-at-ufc-133-in-philadelphia.mma |title=Chad Mendes meets Rani Yahya at UFC 133 in Philadelphia |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=May 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526203557/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23714/chad-mendes-meets-rani-yahya-at-ufc-133-in-philadelphia.mma |archive-date=May 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite news|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/8/6/2348939/ufc-133-results-chad-mendes-rani-yahya-mma-news|title=UFC 133 Results: Chad Mendes puts on a clinic against Rani Yahya|website=bloodyelbow.com|author=Matthew Roth|access-date=August 6, 2011|date=August 6, 2011}}

Mendes fought UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo on January 14, 2012 at UFC 142, losing at 4:59 of the first round via KO, giving Mendes his first professional loss.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/01/14/jose-aldo-knocks-out-chad-mendes-at-ufc-142-keeps-featherweight|title=Jose Aldo knocks out Chad Mendes at UFC 142, keeps featherweight belt|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Michael David Smith|date=2012-01-14|access-date=2012-01-14}}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/10/for-chad-mendes-a-few-seconds-a-fence-grab-and-a-long-time-to-dwell-on-a-loss|title=For Chad Mendes, a few seconds, a fence grab, and a long time to dwell on a loss|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2014-10-20|access-date=2014-10-20}}

Mendes next faced Cody McKenzie on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28776/featherweights-chad-mendes-vs-cody-mckenzie-added-to-ufc-148.mma|title=Featherweights Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie added to UFC 148|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=May 18, 2012|access-date=May 18, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710203256/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28776/featherweights-chad-mendes-vs-cody-mckenzie-added-to-ufc-148.mma|archive-date=July 10, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} He won the fight via first-round TKO due to a body punch.{{cite news |url= http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/7/7/3144160/ufc-148-results-chad-mendes-makes-short-work-of-cody-mckenzie|title=UFC 148 Results: Chad Mendes Makes Short Work of Cody McKenzie|publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Dave Doyle|date=2012-07-07|access-date=2012-07-07}}

Mendes was expected to face Hacran Dias on December 15, 2012 at UFC on FX 6.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30897/hacran-dias-vs-chad-mendes-set-for-ufc-on-fx-6.mma |title=Hacran Dias vs. Chad Mendes set for UFC on FX 6 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=October 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003045313/http://mmajunkie.com/news/30897/hacran-dias-vs-chad-mendes-set-for-ufc-on-fx-6.mma |archive-date=October 3, 2012 |df=mdy }} However, in just days before the event, Dias pulled out of the bout, citing a shoulder injury, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Yaotzin Meza.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/yaotzin-meza-replaces-hacran-dias-meets-chad-mendes-at-fridays-ufc-on-fx-6 |title=Yaotzin Meza replaces Hacran Dias, meets Chad Mendes at Friday's UFC on FX 6 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=December 10, 2012 |access-date=December 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212131851/http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/yaotzin-meza-replaces-hacran-dias-meets-chad-mendes-at-fridays-ufc-on-fx-6 |archive-date=December 12, 2012 |df=mdy }} Mendes defeated Meza via KO at 3:38 in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/ufc-on-fx-6-results-chad-mendes-vs-yaotzin-meza|title=UFC on FX 6 results: Chad Mendes blasts late replacement Yaotzin Meza in first|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2012-12-15|access-date=2012-12-15}}

Mendes was expected to face Manvel Gamburyan on February 23, 2013 at UFC 157.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagereligion.com/2012/12/report-chad-mendes-vs-manny-gamburyan.html|title=Chad Mendes vs. Manny Gamburyan added to February's UFC 157 event|work=cagereligion.com|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020094020/http://www.cagereligion.com/2012/12/report-chad-mendes-vs-manny-gamburyan.html|archive-date=October 20, 2013|url-status=dead}} However, Gamburyan pulled out of the bout, citing a thumb injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/manny-gamburyan-forced-out-of-ufc-157-chad-mendes-awaits-new-opponent|title=Manny Gamburyan Forced Out of UFC 157; Chad Mendes Awaits New Opponent |publisher=mmaweekly.com|last=Pishna|first=Ken|date=2013-02-08|access-date=2013-02-08}} Subsequently, Mendes was pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/with-no-opponent-chad-mendes-off-next-weeks-ufc-157-card|title=With no opponent, Chad Mendes off next week's UFC 157 card|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff |date=2013-02-08|access-date=2013-02-08}}

Mendes was expected to face Clay Guida on April 20, 2013 at UFC on Fox 7.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/usa-today-chad-mendes-meets-clay-guida-at-ufc-on-fox-7|title=Chad Mendes meets Clay Guida at UFC on FOX 7|publisher=mmajunkie.com| author=Dann Stupp |date=February 12, 2013}} However, it was revealed on March 15 that Guida had pulled out of the bout, citing an injury,{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Clay-Guida-Injured-Out-of-Chad-Mendes-Fight-at-UFC-on-Fox-7-50925 |title=Clay Guida Injured, Out of Chad Mendes Fight at UFC on Fox 7 |publisher=sherdog.com |author=Greg Savage|date=2013-03-15|access-date=2013-03-15}} and he was replaced by Darren Elkins.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/darren-elkins-steps-in-for-clay-guida-meets-chad-mendes-at-ufc-on-fox-7 |title=Darren Elkins steps in for Clay Guida, meets Chad Mendes at UFC on FOX 7 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson |date=March 19, 2013 |access-date=March 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321102551/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/darren-elkins-steps-in-for-clay-guida-meets-chad-mendes-at-ufc-on-fox-7 |archive-date=March 21, 2013 |df=mdy }} Mendes won the fight by TKO at 1:08 in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/4/20/4247130/ufc-on-fox-7-results-chad-mendes-stops-darren-elkins-by-tko-asks-for |title=UFC on FOX 7 results: Chad Mendes stops Darren Elkins by TKO |publisher=mmafighting.com |date=2013-04-20 |access-date=2013-04-20 |author=Mike Chiapetta}}

A rescheduled bout with Guida took place on August 31, 2013 at UFC 164.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/5/22/4355140/mma-news-chad-mendes-vs-clay-guida-ufc-164|title=Chad Mendes vs. Clay Guida targeted for UFC 164 |publisher=bloodyelbow.com |author=Mookie Alexander|date=2013-05-22|access-date=2013-05-22}} After a close first and second round, Mendes finished Guida via TKO by punches in the third round and became the first man to ever finish Guida by strikes. The win also earned Mendes his first Knockout of the Night bonus award.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/8/31/4681646/ufc-164-results-chad-mendes-becomes-first-fighter-to-tko-clay-guida |title=UFC 164 results: Chad Mendes becomes first fighter to TKO Clay Guida |publisher=mmafighting.com |date=2013-08-31 |access-date=2013-08-31 |author=Dave Doyle}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/ufc-164-bonuses-pettis-mendes-lim-krauss-win-50000 |title=UFC 164 bonuses: Pettis, Mendes, Lim, Krauss win $50,000 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2013-09-01 |access-date=2013-09-01 |author=Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903060439/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/ufc-164-bonuses-pettis-mendes-lim-krauss-win-50000 |archive-date=September 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

Mendes faced Nik Lentz on December 14, 2013 at UFC on Fox 9.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/17/4741654/chad-mendes-vs-nik-lentz-booked-for-ufc-on-fox-9|title=Chad Mendes vs. Nik Lentz booked for UFC on FOX 9 |publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2013-09-17|access-date=2013-09-17}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/12/ufc-on-fox-9-results-photos-chad-mendes-wins-fifth-straight-tops-nik-lentz|title=UFC on FOX 9 results, photos: Chad Mendes wins fifth straight, tops Nik Lentz|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2013-12-13|access-date=2013-12-13}}

A rematch with José Aldo was expected to take place on August 2, 2014, as the event headliner at UFC 176 for the UFC Featherweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/5/4/5682002/mma-news-jose-aldo-vs-chad-mendes-2-ufc-176-los-angeles|title=Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes 2 headlines UFC 176 in Los Angeles|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Mookie Alexander|access-date=2014-05-04|date=2014-05-04}} However, in early July, Aldo pulled out of the bout with an injury.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/07/jose-aldo-out-of-ufc-176-main-event-vs-chad-mendes-with-injury|title=Jose Aldo out of UFC 176 main event vs. Chad Mendes with injury|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2014-07-02|date=2014-07-02}} The rematch with Aldo was subsequently rescheduled and took place on October 25, 2014, at UFC 179.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/11270676/rematch-jose-aldo-chad-mendes-rescheduled-ufc-179-rio|title=Aldo-Mendes rematch set for Rio|publisher=ESPN|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2014-07-27|access-date=2014-07-27}} He became the first man to knock down Aldo dropping him with a left hand in the first round. Mendes and Aldo both rocked each other with clean punches, Mendes would go on to lose the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-ufc-179-live-coverage-20141025-story.html#page=1|title=UFC 179: Jose Aldo beats Chad Mendes to retain featherweight title|author=Los Angeles Times|date=25 October 2014|work=Los Angeles Times}} Despite the loss on the scorecards, Mendes was awarded his first Fight of the Night bonus award for the bout.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/10/26/7072013/ufc-179-bonuses-jose-aldo-vs-chad-mendes-wins-fight-of-the-night-honors|title=UFC 179 bonuses: Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes wins 'Fight of the Night' honors|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Gene Mrosko|date=2014-10-26|access-date=2014-10-26}} The fight won World MMA Awards 2015 fight of the year award.[http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/2014-world-mma-award-winners-lawler-rousey-gastelum-mcgregor-ufc-mmajunkie 2014 World MMA Awards winners: Lawler, Rousey, Gastelum, McGregor, UFC]. MMAjunkie (2015-01-31). Retrieved on 2016-12-30.

Mendes faced Ricardo Lamas on April 4, 2015 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 63.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/chad-mendes-vs-ricardo-lamas-headlines-ufc-fight-night-in-virginia-011815|title=Chad Mendes vs. Ricardo Lamas headlines UFC Fight Night in Virginia|publisher=foxsports.com.com|author=Damon Martin|access-date=2015-01-18|date=2015-01-18}} Mendes won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-fight-night-fairfax-chad-mendes-ricardo-lamas-recap-040415|title=Chad Mendes stuns, stops Ricardo Lamas in first round|work=foxsports.com|author=Elias Cepeda|date=2015-04-04|access-date=2015-04-04}} The win also earned Mendes his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-63-bonuses-four-get-50000-for-performance-of-the-night-efforts|title=UFC Fight Night 63 bonuses: Four get $50,000 for 'Performance of the Night' efforts|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-04-04|access-date=2015-04-04}}

On May 18, 2015, Dana White tweeted that Chad Mendes had agreed to an eight-fight contract with UFC.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/chad-mendes-inks-lengthy-new-ufc-deal|title=Chad Mendes Inks Lengthy New UFC Deal|date=2015-05-18|author=Ken Pishna|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}

José Aldo was expected to face Conor McGregor on July 11, 2015 at UFC 189 for the undisputed UFC Featherweight Championship.{{cite news|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Statement-on-UFC-189|title=Statement on UFC 189|publisher=UFC|date=24 June 2015}} However, in the days leading up to the fight, Aldo pulled out of the bout because of a rib injury he sustained in training. Mendes stepped in as a short notice replacement to face McGregor for the interim championship.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/jose-aldo-officially-out-of-ufc-189-chad-mendes-meets-conor-mcgregor-for-interim-belt|title=Jose Aldo officially out of UFC 189; Chad Mendes meets Conor McGregor for interim belt|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2015-06-30|access-date=2015-06-30}} Mendes lost the fight via TKO in the second round.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/7/12/8935781/ufc-189-results-chad-mendes-conor-mcgregor|title=UFC 189 results: Conor McGregor finishes Chad Mendes after surviving two brutal rounds|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Thomas Myers|date=2015-07-12|access-date=2015-07-12}}

Mendes faced Frankie Edgar on December 11, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/8/25/9208815/ufc-tuf-report-frankie-edgar-vs-chad-mendes-mma-news|title=Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes to headline TUF 22 Finale|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Lucas Rezende|date=2015-08-25|access-date=2015-08-25}} He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/tuf-22-finale-results-frankie-edgar-lands-first-round-knockout-bomb-on-chad-mendes|title=TUF 22 Finale results: Frankie Edgar lands first-round knockout bomb on Chad Mendes|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Steven Marrocco|date=2015-12-12|access-date=2015-12-12}}

After returning from his suspension and two-and-a-half years away from the sport, Mendes faced Myles Jury on July 14, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 133.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/5/7/17328618/chad-mendes-return-myles-jury-ufc-fight-night-boise-mma-featherweight-news|title=Chad Mendes returns against Myles Jury at UFC Boise|website=bloodyelbow.com |author=Nick Baldwin|date=2018-05-07|access-date=2018-05-07}} He won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/07/ufc-fight-night-133-boise-results-chad-mendes-returns-big-tko-myles-jury-knockout|title=UFC Fight Night 133 results: Chad Mendes returns for big TKO of Myles Jury|date=2018-07-15|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-07-15|language=en-US}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/07/ufc-fight-night-133-boise-bonuses-niko-price-chad-mendes-raoni-barcelos-kurt-holobaugh-50000|title=UFC Fight Night 133 bonuses: You know Niko Price's hammerfists got him $50,000|date=2018-07-15|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-07-15|language=en-US}}

Mendes faced Alexander Volkanovski on December 29, 2018 at UFC 232.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/chad-mendes-vs-alex-volkanovski-ufc-232-featherweight-las-vegas|title=Chad Mendes vs. Alex Volkanovski joins UFC 232 lineup in Las Vegas|date=2018-11-06|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-11-07|language=en-US}} He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-232-results-highlights-alexander-volkanovski-stops-chad-mendes-in-all-out-battle/|title=UFC 232 results, highlights: Alexander Volkanovski stops Chad Mendes in all-out battle|website=CBSSports.com|date=December 30, 2018 |language=en|access-date=2018-12-30}} This fight earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-232-Bonuses-Nunes-Volkanovski-Mendes-Hall-Capture-3650K-Awards-147623|title=UFC 232 Bonuses: Nunes, Volkanovski, Mendes, Hall Capture $50K Awards|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-12-30}} Following the loss, Mendes announced his retirement from the sport.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/chad-mendes-retires-from-mma-after-ufc-232-loss/|title=Chad Mendes retires from MMA after UFC 232 loss|date=2018-12-30|website=bjpenn.com|access-date=2018-12-30}}

Mendes was scheduled to come out of retirement to face Maike Linhares in the inaugural Global Fight League event on May 24, 2025 at GFL 1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2025/3/27/24395468/gfl-1-fight-card-start-time-date-and-location-faber-vs-barao-3|title=GFL 1 fight card, start time, date and location - Faber vs. Barao 3|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Jeff Cain|date=2025-03-27|access-date=2025-03-29}} However, the first two GFL events were postponed indefinitely.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/04/global-fight-league-inaugural-events-canceled-may-los-angeles|title=Global Fight League's inaugural back-to-back events in May canceled|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matthew Wells, Mike Bohn and Nolan King|date=2025-04-09|access-date=2025-04-10}}

On August 4, 2021, Mendes announced that he was released from his UFC contract by his own request and signed a multi-fight contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. However, he later reiterated that he was still under contract with the UFC, but was given exemption to compete in bare-knuckle.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvGUvoN6nvA|title=Chad Mendes is still in contract with UFC, but 'not a chance' he returns under current deal|date=February 18, 2022|work=MMAjunkie.com|via=YouTube}} He was initially expected to make his debut at a BKFC event on October 22, 2021, but that was postponed on two occasions.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/08/chad-mendes-returns-from-retirement-signs-multi-fight-deal-bareknuckle-fighting-bkfc-mma-ufc|title=Chad Mendes returns from retirement, signs multifight deal with BKFC|date=August 4, 2021|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=John Morgan}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/chad-mendes-bareknuckle-boxing-debut-postponed-november-miami-mma-ufc-video|title=BKFC boss David Feldman says Chad Mendes' debut likely postponed to November in Miami|date=September 3, 2021|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=Farah Hannoun}} He debuted on February 19, 2022 at KnuckleMania 2 defeating Joshuah Alvarez by technical knockout.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/02/bkfc-knucklemania-2-perry-vs-lane-live-official-results|title=BKFC: KnuckleMania 2 live and official results|date=February 19, 2022|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=MMA Junkie Staff}}

On April 29, 2023, Mendes faced Eddie Alvarez at BKFC 41 and lost by split decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/1/23619521/luke-rockhold-vs-mike-perry-eddie-alvarez-vs-chad-mendes-set-for-bkfc-41-free-agent-signings|title=Luke Rockhold vs. Mike Perry, Eddie Alvarez vs. Chad Mendes set for BKFC 41 following two free agent signings|website=MMA Fighting|date=2023-03-01|access-date=2023-03-02}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/03/bkfc-41-eddie-alvarez-vs-chad-mendes-booked-denver|title=UFC veterans Eddie Alvarez, Chad Mendes to fight at BKFC 41|website=MMA Junkie|date=2023-03-01|access-date=2023-03-02}} He announced his retirement from combat sports after the bout. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/live/1NrWre8xc10?si=j3NlNXMZEEXQxx11&t=155|title=BKFC 41 Post Press Conference - Live - David Feldman announces bonuses|date=April 30, 2023|author=BKFC on YouTube|publisher=youtube.com}}

On June 10, 2016, the UFC announced that Mendes had been informed of a potential doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition test conducted by USADA.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Statement-on-Chad-Mendes-061016|title=UFC statement on Chad Mendes|publisher=UFC|author=Staff|date=2016-06-10|access-date=2016-06-10}} Mendes responded, "I didn't do my homework and that was a big mistake. I own it and I'm going to pay for it."Mckeever, Lewis. (2016-06-19) [http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/6/19/11972936/ufc-mma-news-chad-mendes-usada-anti-doping-violation Chad Mendes comments on potential USADA violation: 'I didn't do my homework'", by Lewis Mckeever]. Bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved on 2016-12-30. He claims the cause was from a topical cream used to treat his psoriasis, however, on July 20, 2016, USADA reported that Mendes tested positive for GHRP-6, a growth hormone release stimulator, and suspended Mendes for 2 years.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/7/20/12239616/chad-mendes-gets-two-year-suspension-from-usada-for-testing-positive|title=Chad Mendes gets two-year suspension from USADA for testing positive for PED|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2016-07-20|access-date=2016-07-20}} He was not eligible to compete again until June 10, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/1/17304900/chad-mendes-takes-responsibility-for-his-usada-suspension-i-messed-up|title=Chad Mendes takes responsibility for his USADA suspension: 'I messed up'|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-05-04}}

Mendes competed in Submission Underground 3 on January 30, 2017, where he defeated Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and 27 time Grapplers Quest champion, Jeff Glover in overtime.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/1/30/14435592/submission-underground-3-results-tonon-glover-beaten-by-ufc-fighters|title=Submission Underground 3 Results: Tonon, Glover beaten by UFC fighters|author=Raphael Garcia|date=January 30, 2017|publisher=bloodyelbow.com}}

Mendes was scheduled to face Kevin Lee at ADXC 5 on August 3, 2024.{{cite web |title=Stacked Card Finalised For ADXC 5 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/stacked-card-finalised-for-adxc-5/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=31 July 2024}} Lee was replaced by Diego Brandão on short notice, and Mendes won the match by decision.{{cite web |title=ADXC 5 Full Results And Review |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/adxc-5-full-results-and-review/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=16 August 2024}}

Mendes is of Portuguese, Italian, Puerto Rican, Irish, and Native American descent.{{cite tweet|user=chadmendes|author=chad mendes|number=72528434013814784|date=23 May 2011|title=Portuguese,Italian,puerto rican,Irish n Indian RT @Camilascloset: @chadmendes Hey, what's ur nationality? hubby and I have a bet going lol}}

Mendes and his wife Abby have a daughter (born 2019).{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/5/31/18646830/midnight-mania-andrea-lees-estranged-husband-jailed-after-9-months-on-the-run|title=Midnight Mania! Andrea Lee's estranged husband jailed after 9 months on the run|author=Andrew Pearson|date=May 31, 2019|publisher=mmamania.com}}

Mendes founded the hunting and fishing guide service Finz and Featherz.{{cite web|title=American Elements: Chad Mendes|url= http://www.carbontv.com/videos/0_ens3obn1|publisher=CarbonTV.com|access-date=July 27, 2016}}

Mendes was charged with battery for his alleged involvement in a bar fight on July 29, 2012 in his hometown of Hanford, California. The Kings County District Attorney's Office announced on August 25, 2012, that it would seek a battery charge against Mendes.{{cite web|url=http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/chad-mendes-now-facing-criminal-charge/article_d6f138a8-ee4d-11e1-9a89-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Chad Mendes now facing criminal charge|author=Joe Johnson|work=Hanford Sentinel|date=August 25, 2012 }} The charges were dropped after Mendes pleaded no contest to a count of public disturbance and paid a fine.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/10/22/3540602/for-chad-mendes-battery-charges-dropped-as-d-a-accepts-no-contest|title=Battery charges against Chad Mendes dropped as D.A. accepts no contest plea to public disturbance|publisher=MMAFighting.com |date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2012}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Knockout of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Clay Guida}}
• Fight of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. José Aldo 2 and Alexander Volkanovski}}
• Performance of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Ricardo Lamas and Myles Jury}}
• Tied (Conor McGregor) for third most knockouts in UFC Featherweight division history (6){{Cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=FTW|title=UFC Featherweight - Stats}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2011: Ranked #9 Import of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-import-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Import of the Year|date=January 2, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2014: Ranked #2 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. José Aldo 2}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-fights-2014|title=Top Ten - The Fights of 2014|date=December 26, 2014|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• World MMA Awards
• 2014 Fight of the Year vs. José Aldo at UFC 179{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2015/01/2014-world-mma-award-winners-lawler-rousey-gastelum-mcgregor-ufc-mmajunkie|title=2014 World MMA Awards winners: Lawler, Rousey, Gastelum, McGregor, UFC, MMAjunkie|date=31 January 2015|work=MMAjunkie.com}}
• ESPN
• 2014 Fight of the Year vs. José Aldo at UFC 179{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/12136764/jose-aldo-chad-mendes-produced-2014-fight-year|title=Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes produced 2014's Fight of the Year|work=ESPN.com|date=January 8, 2015 }}
• BloodyElbow.com
• 2014 Fight of the Year vs. José Aldo at UFC 179{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/1/19/7853375/bloody-elbow-2014-year-end-awards-results|title=Bloody Elbow 2014 Year-End Awards – Results|author=Tim Burke|work=Bloody Elbow|date=January 19, 2015 }}
• MMAJunkie.com
• 2014 Fight of the Year vs. José Aldo at UFC 179{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/12/mmajunkies-fight-of-the-year-for-2014-a-rematch-tops-our-list|title=MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Year' for 2014 – a rematch tops our list – MMAjunkie|work=MMAjunkie|date=December 28, 2014 }}
• 2014 October Fight of the Month vs. José Aldo{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/mmajunkies-fight-of-the-month-for-october-2014-as-if-you-didnt-know|title=MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for October 2014 (as if you didn't know) – MMAjunkie|work=MMAjunkie|date=November 2, 2014 }}

• National Collegiate Athletic Association
• NCAA Division I All-American (2006, 2008)
• Pac-10 Conference Championship (2008)
• Pac-10 Conference Wrestler of the Year (2008)
• NCAA Division I 125 lb: 6th place out of Cal Poly (2006)
• NCAA Division I 141 lb: Runner-up out of Cal Poly (2008)

• Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
• Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Eddie Alvarez
• Fight of the Year (2023){{cite instagram|postid=C1-y7ezR5uy|user=bareknucklefc|date=January 13, 2024|title=The 2023 year end award winners}} (vs. Eddie Alvarez)

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 8

| ko-losses= 4

| sub-wins= 2

| sub-losses=

| dec-wins= 8

| dec-losses= 1

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2||align=|style=|color=}}Loss

|align=center|18–5

|Alexander Volkanovski

| TKO (punches)

|UFC 232

|{{dts|2018|December|29}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:14

|Inglewood, California, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

|align=center|18–4

|Myles Jury

| TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov

|{{dts|2018|July|14}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:51

|Boise, Idaho, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2||align=|style=|color=}}Loss

|align=center|17–4

|Frankie Edgar

|KO (punch)

|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale

|{{dts|2015|December|11}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:28

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2||align=|style=|color=}}Loss

|align=center|17–3

|Conor McGregor

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 189

|{{dts|2015|July|11}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:57

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|For the interim UFC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 17–2

| Ricardo Lamas

| TKO (punches)

| UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas

| {{dts|2015|April|4}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:45

| Fairfax, Virginia, United States

| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2||align=|style=|color=}}Loss

| align=center| 16–2

| José Aldo

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 179

| {{dts|2014|October|25}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

| {{small|For the UFC Featherweight Championship. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year (2014).}}

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 16–1

| Nik Lentz

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2

| {{dts|2013|December|14}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Sacramento, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 15–1

| Clay Guida

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 164

| {{dts|2013|August|31}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 0:30

| Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 14–1

| Darren Elkins

| KO (punches)

| UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez

| {{dts|2013|April|20}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:08

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 13–1

| Yaotzin Meza

| KO (punches)

| UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson

| {{dts|2012|December|15}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:55

| Gold Coast, Australia

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 12–1

| Cody McKenzie

| KO (punch to the body)

| UFC 148

| {{dts|2012|July|7}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:31

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{no2||align=|style=|color=}}Loss

| align=center| 11–1

| José Aldo

| KO (knee)

| UFC 142

| {{dts|2012|January|14}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:59

| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

| {{small| For the UFC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 11–0

| Rani Yahya

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 133

| {{dts|2011|August|6}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 10–0

| Michihiro Omigawa

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 126

| {{dts|2011|February|5}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 9–0

| Javier Vazquez

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 52

| {{dts|2010|November|11}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 8–0

| Cub Swanson

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 50

| {{dts|2010|August|18}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 7–0

| Anthony Morrison

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| WEC 48

| {{dts|2010|April|24}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:13

| Sacramento, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 6–0

| Erik Koch

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 47

| {{dts|2010|March|6}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Columbus, Ohio, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 5–0

| Mike Joy

| Decision (unanimous)

| Tachi Palace Fights 1

| {{dts|2009|October|8}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Lemoore, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Steven Siler

| KO (punches)

| TPF: Best of Both Worlds

| {{dts|2009|July|16}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:44

| Lemoore, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Art Arciniega

| Decision (unanimous)

| PFC: Best of Both Worlds 2

| {{dts|2009|April|23}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 3:00

| Lemoore, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Leland Gridley

| TKO (punches)

| PFC: Best of Both Worlds

| {{dts|2009|February|6}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:58

| Lemoore, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2||align=|style=|color=}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Giovanni Encarnacion

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| PFC 10: Explosive

| {{dts|2008|September|26}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:06

| Lemoore, California, United States

|

{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Chad-Mendes-38393|title=Chad|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-11-07}}

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=1

|ko-losses=

|sub-wins=

|sub-losses=

|dec-wins=

|dec-losses=1

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|1–1

|Eddie Alvarez

|Decision (split)

|BKFC 41

|April 29, 2023

|align=center|5

|align=center|2:00

|Broomfield, Colorado, United States

|{{small|Welterweight (165lb) bout. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Joshuah Alvarez

|TKO (punches)

|BKFC: KnuckleMania 2

|{{dts|2022|February|19}}

|align=center|4

|align=center|1:34

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|{{small|Lightweight debut.}}

|-

{{end}}

{{cite web | url=https://www.bareknuckle.tv/events/bkfc-41-colorado:93d54422-f74d-4446-84b4-92d6e75be5ea | title=BKFC 41 Colorado }}

{{s-start}}

! colspan="8"| NCAA Championships Matches

|-

! Res.

! Record

! Opponent

! Score

! Date

! Event

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2008 NCAA Championships {{silver2}} at 141 lbs

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|10-5

|align=left|J Jaggers

|style="font-size:88%"|2-5

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 22, 2008

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|10-4

|align=left|Nathan Morgan

|style="font-size:88%"|1-0

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|9-4

|align=left|Nick Gallick

|style="font-size:88%"|5-0

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|8-4

|align=left|Ryan Williams

|style="font-size:88%"|7-4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|7-4

|align=left|Steve Adamcsik

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2006 NCAA Championships 6th at 125 lbs

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|6-4

|align=left|Sam Hazewinkel

|style="font-size:88%"|1-7

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|March 17, 2006

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|6-3

|align=left|John Velez

|style="font-size:88%"|7-4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|5-3

|align=left|Kyle Ott

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|4-3

|align=left|Nick Simmons

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|4-2

|align=left|Chad Sportelli

|style="font-size:88%"|3-2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|3-2

|align=left|Brad Gentzle

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2005 NCAA Championships at 133 lbs

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|2-2

|align=left|Mark Jayne

|style="font-size:88%"|6-7

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 18, 2005

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2005 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|2-1

|align=left|Mack Reiter

|style="font-size:88%"|3-8

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|2-0

|align=left|Matt Ciasulli

|style="font-size:88%"|6-4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|1-0

|align=left|Evan Sola

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

{{end}}

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

{{reflist}}

• {{UFC|chad-mendes}}
• {{Sherdog|38393}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mendes, Chad}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Hanford, California

Category:American people of Irish descent

Category:American people of Italian descent

Category:American people of Portuguese descent

Category:Sportspeople of Portuguese descent

Category:American sportspeople of Puerto Rican descent

Category:American sportspeople in doping cases

Category:Doping cases in mixed martial arts

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists from California

Category:Cal Poly Mustangs athletes

Category:Sportspeople from Kings County, California

Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling

Category:American male sport wrestlers

Category:American bare-knuckle boxers

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters