UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo (20-1) will return to action on Jan. 14, 2012, when he defends his title in his home country of Brazil against undefeated Chad Mendes (11-0) at UFC 142.
The UFC confirmed the match-up late Monday night via their website (www.ufc.com). An exact location for the event, including the city, has not yet been determined.
Aldo is coming off a five round unanimous decision win over UFC veteran Kenny Florian at UFC 136 last month. The 25-year-old Brazilian is currently riding a 13 fight win streak and has not lost a bout in almost six years.
A two-time All-American, Mendes has won 11 straight fights since beginning his MMA career in 2008. The Team Alpha Male product is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Rani Yahya at UFC 133 in August.
Mendes made his Octagon debut at UFC 126 in February scoring a unanimous decision victory over Michihiro Omigawa. Stay close to ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) and our Upcoming Events page as the UFC 142 fight card comes together.