November 2, 2024

Report: Chad Mendes vs. Renato Moicano targeted for UFC 231

A highly intriguing featherweight bout is in the works for UFC 231 in Toronto.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

With the featherweight title on the line at UFC 231, there is another key matchup in the 145 lbs division that’s slated for the same event.

MMA Brasil reports that a fight between Chad Mendes and Renato Moicano is being targeted for the December 8th pay-per-view card in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It would essentially serve as a backup plan for the main event between featherweight champ Max Holloway and Brian Ortega.

Mendes (18-4) returned from a two-year USADA suspension and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat, as he got the first-round TKO vs. Myles Jury at UFC Boise in July. That win also snapped a two-fight losing skid, which came against Conor McGregor and Frankie Edgar. Mendes has twice challenged for the undisputed featherweight belt, losing both times to Jose Aldo.

Moicano (13-1-1) has been sensational. The Brazilian is 5-1 inside the Octagon, including a first-round knockdown and rear-naked choke finish of Cub Swanson at UFC 227. Only Brian Ortega has been able to best Moicano, winning a thrilling fight by third-round submission at UFC 214.

UFC 231 also features a women’s flyweight title bout between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Valentina Shevchenko.

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