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.