UFC 142 Aldo vs Mendes – Results & Bonuses

José Aldo knocked out Chad Mendes in the first round to defend his featherweight title for a third time.

No sooner did Aldo finish Mendes than he bounced out of the cage and hurled himself into the audience, which threatened to swallow him whole as it erupted in cheers.

The end came after Aldo escaped a takedown and fired off a knee that caught Mendes on the chin and sent him to the canvas. Mendes was already unconscious when a follow-up punch landed. Referee Mario Yamasaki waved off the bout at the 4:59 mark of the first round.

Twice before, Aldo had managed to escape the takedowns of Mendes, who brought to the title fight impressive wrestling credentials that were thought to be his advantage leading into the fight. Mendes attacked Aldo’s legs early on with kicks, but it was clear that Aldo’s strikes were superior when he returned fire.

Afterward, he paid tribute to the champion’s skill.

“He’s a great champion,” Mendes said. “I felt the best I’ve ever felt for any fight. I was very prepared, and he got me.”

Barboza earned the night’s “Knockout of the Night” award, Palhares picked up the “Submission of the Night” bonus, and Barboza and Etim earned “Fight of the Night” honors.

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