Chad Mendes makes a comeback in combat sports after a retirement that lasted more than three years. Learn about his journey in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and his impressive performances.
| Chad Mendes Returns to Combat Sports |
After a retirement that lasted more than three years, Chad Mendes has made a comeback in the world of combat sports. The former UFC title challenger has joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and has already made an impact in the organization.
- Mendes retired from mixed martial arts in 2018
- He made his debut at BKFC: KnuckleMania 2
- Mendes faced Eddie Alvarez at BKFC 41
- He announced his retirement from combat sports
- Future in combat sports remains uncertain
Chad Mendes’ comeback story showcases his talent and the impact he has made in the world of combat sports.
Chad Mendes Returns to Combat Sports
After a retirement that lasted more than three years, Chad Mendes has made a comeback in the world of combat sports. The former UFC title challenger has joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and has already made an impact in the organization.
Mendes, known for his explosive fighting style and impressive record, retired from mixed martial arts after a TKO loss to Alexander Volkanovski in 2018. However, his passion for the sport reignited, and he decided to step back into the ring.
In his debut at BKFC: KnuckleMania 2, Mendes faced off against Joshuah Alvarez and secured a fourth-round TKO victory. The win showcased Mendes’ skills and reminded fans of his dominance in the sport.
But Mendes’ journey didn’t end there. He returned to face Eddie Alvarez at BKFC 41, a highly anticipated matchup. Although he lost the bout via split decision, the fight was hailed as one of the best of the year, earning Mendes the Fight of the Night and Fight of the Year honors.
After the fight, Mendes announced his retirement from combat sports once again. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and the financial rewards that BKFC offered, but ultimately, he felt it was time to prioritize other aspects of his life.
Mendes stated, "I’ve been going back and forth with this. Obviously, I retired from the UFC back in 2018, and I was honestly done. I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into a few businesses and just spending quality time with my family, which I love doing. I had no desire to fight, but something like this came up, and the pay is really good, and it’s something that’s new, which kind of excited me, so I did it."
Reflecting on his last fight against Alvarez, Mendes admitted that he initially thought it would be his retirement fight. However, the opportunity to face someone like Eddie Alvarez enticed him to continue. Despite the thrilling battle, Mendes realized that he didn’t need to keep pushing himself in the sport. He recognized the importance of focusing on his family and his other endeavors.
Looking ahead, the future of Chad Mendes in combat sports remains uncertain. BKFC President David Feldman hinted that Mendes could potentially return to the promotion in 2024, but nothing has been confirmed.
Whether Mendes decides to step back into the ring or fully embrace his retirement, his comeback story serves as a reminder of his undeniable talent and the impact he has made in the world of combat sports.
