Tbh, i believe we've seen a similar performance from Chad once before when he had short/interrupted camp. The fight against Nik Lentz, he didnt look anything like himself, was gassed halfway through round 1, and was content to just stay in Guard and do minimal work. Obviously Lentz is nowhere near the fighter Conor is, so couldnt take advantage of it on the feet.
It seemed that Mendes kinda went into desperation mode when he went for that choke. He didnt set it up, he didnt work for it, he pretty much dove for it from all the way at full guard, which was never gonna work. Would things be different if Mendes had a full camp? Probably, but for now, we move onto the Aldo fight.
Now, Aldo is a much MUCH better fighter when being forced to fight on the backfoot than Mendes is, and if Mendes could get in punches by basically swinging for the fences, Aldo should have a field day when he's countering.
Also if it goes to the ground at any point, i think we all know Aldo will have the advantage there.
I think that's interesting. I think Aldo is secretly happy Mendes lost too. He wants to be the one to take Conor's soul.
