Multiple media sources have confirmed that UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo will not defend his title against Chad Mendes at UFC 133. Rumors of the bout have floated in the weeks since the champion’s last title defense.
MMAJunkie has reported that a bout agreement was never signed between the two fighters. The same report also cited Mendes’ manager Mike Roberts as indicating that the former Cal Poly wrestling standout still wants to compete on the card. UFC 133 takes place Aug. 6 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Aldo defeated Mark Hominick at UFC 129 to run his record to 19-1. He has now won 12-straight fights. He originally won the WEC title by defeating Mike Thomas Brown at WEC 44. After Zuffa merged the UFC and WEC, Aldo was promoted to UFC champion.
After finishing second at the 2008 NCAA wrestling tournament, Mendes turned his attention to MMA. He made his professional debut later that year and quickly ran his record to 5-0. Then, he earned a shot in WEC. In his last fight, the undefeated challenger made his UFC debut and bested world-ranked Michihiro Omigawa.