- Chad Mendes at UFC 179
Much like Jon Jones needed his war with Alexander Gustafsson, Aldo needed his rematch with Mendes to go the route it did.
At times, a champion must encounter mortality before reaching a higher level of greatness. That’s exactly what Aldo gained from his second installment opposite the Team Alpha Male standout, going toe-to-toe with the two-time title challenger at UFC 179 in what many consider to be the best fight of 2014.
Never have we seen Aldo’s chin tested the way it was opposite Mendes, as both men combined for 179 significant strikes through five rounds. They were battered, bloodied, and in the midst of career performances.
Also’s speed and late-round outbursts ultimately reigned supreme, but it was one of those instances where a seemingly untouchable Octagon entity was forced to dig deep, strap on his boots, and go for broke.
