Augusto Mendes
Augusto Mendes is a name many might not know, but if you’re a UFC bantamweight, it’s best to get familiar. And quickly.
Mendes (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his UFC debut on short notice at bantamweight this Sunday at UFC Fight Night 83. He takes on Cody Garbrandt (7-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) on the FOX Sports 1-televised main card following prelims on the same channel and UFC Fight Pass at Pittsburgh’s CONSOL Energy Center.
“Tanquinho” is a feared grappler who’s well-established and highly praised in the jiu-jitsu community. He transitioned to MMA less than two years ago, and that move has gone swimmingly so far. He’s racked up five consecutive victories, including four submissions.
Mendes’ career inside the cage has seen minimal hiccups, but he unfortunately hasn’t experienced near the amount of fight time he wants. The 32-year-old, who’s recently competed for Legacy FC, said he’s struggled to consistently find relevant bouts on the regional scene, and because of that, he feels his career has somewhat stalled.
“I haven’t fought since July because my Legacy contract ended after my last fight,” Mendes told MMAjunkie. “I tried to fight in another organization this past October, but on fight week, my opponent dropped out. So I ended up not fighting. I have this time gap on my record because I couldn’t find another opponent. A lot of people just don’t want to face me.”
Mendes was scheduled to make his UFC debut on eight days’ notice at UFC Fight Night 81 in January, but he was suffered a training injury shortly after accepting the bout. Luckily for the Brazilian, he recovered quickly and stayed prepared for another opportunity to come up. That’s what happened when Garbrandt’s original opponent, John Lineker, came down with dengue fever less than a week prior to the fight.
Although it’s not the most ideal of circumstances, Mendes gets his shot in the UFC against another talented foe in Garbrandt. Similar to Mendes, “No Love” is also undefeated and considered one of the division’s more promising prospects
It’s difficult to keep an undefeated record intact in the UFC, and one fighter will lose his in the upcoming matchup. Mendes relishes the fact he’s yet to lose, and while he doesn’t plan to do it anytime soon, he said his undefeated record is the least of his focuses.
“I don’t think much about the fact that I’m undefeated; it doesn’t worry me,” Mendes said. “The thing is to put in the work and be well trained. One day I might lose. Everyone loses eventually. I just have to train and be ready for any situation in a fight. I hope a loss doesn’t happen early in my career. I have many things to achieve, a long way to go. If that includes a belt, I’ll be ready for it. And if I do lose, I’ll just keep moving forward. I’ll do my best to be victorious.”
Mendes has a good chance at victory if the fight with Garbrandt hits the mat. With such little time to prepare for the fight, though, Mendes is aware he must be ready to compete in all areas. But no matter where the contest ends up, he said he vows to come out on the winning end.
“I think he’s a good opponent – he’s also undefeated and motivated,” Mendes said. “Without a doubt, he had a good camp to face Lineker. It will be a tough fight. I’ve always expected that. That’s it. I’m not too worried. If we have to strike, we will. If it goes to the ground, that’s fine. I see myself winning with any chance that he gives me. I see my arm raised at the end. Whatever he gives me, I’ll capitalize on.”
For more on UFC Fight Night 83, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
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