Winner of Chad Mendes vs Javier Vazquez Could Get Next Title Shot

The WEC fighters at Team Alpha Male, more often than not have a say in what both the WEC Featherweight and Bantamweight title pictures look like. They look to follow that trend as Chad Mendes meets Javier Vazquez November 11^th at WEC 52. The selling point for the Mendes vs. Vazquez fight is that the winner would likely position himself near the top of the newly formed UFC Featherweight division.

Mendes (8-0) is a highly decorated NCAA wrestler who has breezed through all eight of his opponents with a repetitive, exhausting double leg attack. His previous opponent, Cub Swanson showed the aggression and grappling prowess thought to give Mendes a struggle, but after a round of being thrown and pressed to the mat, he looked broken and desperate.

Vazquez (15-4) opened a lot of eyes with his submission of Jens Pulver, not only because Pulver has been a mainstay in lighter-weight fighting for nearly a decade, but because his armbar was swift and beautiful. Followed by a submission of the young-but-promising Mackens Semerzier, Vazquez has definitely cemented his relevance in the 145lb. title picture. A 12 year career puts more emphasis on his recent accomplishments, as Javier’s performances are indicative of someone comfortable in any position, especially off of his back.

This is a situation where strength plays to strength; Chad wants to stifle Vazquez, and Javier is comfortable on his back. Vazquez’s comfort could be his downfall in a three round fight, and Mendes has to be over-cautious sitting in the guard of a 2^nd Degree Black Belt. Both have solid standup, but there’s really no doubt where Mendes plans on taking this fight.

Mendes is a powerhouse at his weight, and despite inexperience has shown that he has the wrestling and grappling know-how to make sure he is in control of every minute of the fight. It is impossible to count Vazquez out though; he is the definition of a veteran in mixed martial arts, and his submission game is confident enough to finish Mendes with enough patience. 

A win for Mendes means a lot. He would remain undefeated and theoretically pose more problems for 145lb. demigod Jose Aldo than anyone else in the division. A win for Vazquez isn’t as declarative, but it’s impossible to overlook a solid streak and a long career. It is needless to say this fight means a lot to each fighter, so there is no doubt that both will be a sharp as they have ever been.

Tags: Chad Mendes, featherweight, Javier Vazquez, MMA, Team Alpha Male, UFC, WEC, WEC 52

Category: MMA, Strikeforce