at Reno Tournament of Champions
Mendes Scores First-Round Knockout in UFC on FX 6
12/16/2012 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Former Cal Poly wrestler Chad Mendes improved his mixed martial arts record to 13-1 with a first-round knockout against Yaotzin Meza at UFC on FX 6 held Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Meza, a late replacement, was knocked out with an overhand right at 1 minute, 55 seconds of the opening round.
Mendes originally was to face Hacran Dias, but the Brazilian was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Mendes ducked out of the way of a lazy left hook and came over the top with a power shot that sent Meza crashing to the mat. Mendes added a few ground strikes for good measure, but the damage was done and the official stepped in to halt the action.
"I'm going after that belt," Mendes, a featherweight contender, said. "I want that belt. I'm on my way, taking it one fight at a time, but I'm coming after it."
Mendes won for the second time since losing a title match to Jose Aldo in January. Meza was making his organizational debut, and had won seven of his last eight prior to the bout. The loss dropped his record to 19-8.
Mendes was 64-14 in his Cal Poly wrestling career, including a 30-1 mark and second-place finish at 141 pounds as a senior in the 2008 NCAA Division I National Championships. Mendes also was sixth at 125 pounds in 2006.
Photo courtesy of MMA Fighting
