Chad Mendes ‘Up There’ But Not Guaranteed a Title Shot With a Win at UFC 133

Chad Mendes

Chad Mendes may be considered the top contender in the UFC’s featherweight division, but a win at UFC 133 doesn’t necessarily guarantee him a title shot.

When asked by reporters following UFC 133's press conference, UFC President Dana White deferred to matchmaker Joe Silva, who stated Mendes is near the top of the division, but wouldn’t solidify if he was next in line with a win.

“Chad’s right up there,” said UFC matchmaker Joe Silva. “He’s in the mix”

White chuckled after Silva’s ‘in the mix’ comment as he is known for saying the same thing when asked to pinpoint contenders in different weight classes.

Mendes has stated that if he’s successful on Saturday night that he would ask the UFC for a title shot, but as of right now nothing is set in stone.

The UFC featherweight title will next be defended at UFC 136 when champion Jose Aldo faces former lightweight title contender Kenny Florian.

Mendes faces submission specialist Rani Yahya at UFC 133 in Philadelphia this weekend.

Damon Martin is the lead staff writer and radio host for MMAWeekly.com.
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