Kyle Terada-USA Today Sports
UFC featherweights Darren Elkins and Chad Mendes squared off on Saturday in what was a pivotal match for both fighters. Coming into this fight, Mendes was looking to derail Elkins in hopes of fighting for the title again.
Well, he certainly did just that and was able to finish Elkins via TKO in the first round. Earlier in the round, Elkins was able to put on some pressure, but it was Mendes who landed a nice right to the temple of Elkins. The ref was forced to step in, and Mendes has now finished his last three fights in impressive fashion.
Mendes has only one loss inside the UFC to current featherweight champion Jose Aldo, who is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet right now. If there was ever a fight to warrant a title shot for Mendes, it’s this one. Before this bout, Elkins was on a tear with a five-fight winning streak, showcasing some power and a great wrestling attack. However, Mendes proved to be too much for Elkins, ending his night in dramatic fashion.
It looks like Mendes is certainly the best featherweight on the planet right now save for Aldo, and he will more than likely get his title shot after Aldo faces Anthony Pettis later this year. The winner of this bout is more than likely facing Mendes next, and has the makings to be a war.
Congrats to Mendes as he keeps improving with every fight. This makes it 3-0 for Team Alpha Male tonight, as T.J. Dillashaw and Joseph Benavidez were also able to get TKO victories.
