McGregor’s Belt Fake? : “Money” Mendes Thinks So

Long before Conor McGregor on TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) episode 6 attempted to expose champ TJ Dillashaw as a “snake in the grass”, camp-life at TAM was already going through it’s share of growing pains. Chad Mendes spoke with MMA Mania about his stance on what a win means to him on December 11th.

“I feel like the winner of this fight should be right back in line for it, whether it’s me or Frankie. Obviously, I’ve fought Aldo twice, and Conor for the fake belt. But, if you beat a guy like Frankie who’s been just on a tear, then you have no choice but to give the guy who wins that fight a title shot, in my opinion.”

Mendes pointing out a possible third fight with Aldo, depending on the outcome of Aldo’s fight the night after Mendes goes to work against Frankie “The Answer” Edgar.  With McGregor making an internal issue at TAM a public one only burned “Money” and his teammates and possibly created some unnecessary drama.

“Speaking to Dana (White), he pretty much said you just don’t know what’s going to happen with Aldo and McGregor,” Edgar said. “Barring a barnburner between those guys, I think the winner of our fight should get the next title shot, especially with me coming off five straight wins over top notch guys. But again, nothing is guaranteed and I’m not banking on anything.”

Edgar being realistic about a possible match-up with Aldo depending on all the variables makes sense, but then again, when did everything ever go as planned in the UFC? The UFC is an ever-changing organic media giant that thrives on putting together exciting top caliber fights. Injuries and setbacks are all part of it.

I’m not putting a date on anything,” Edgar added. “I feel great. I don’t feel like I’m getting older. It’s just the fact that time is ticking and I don’t want to sit around and wait for anything. I do want to stay active, I want to make money. I feel like I’m getting better as I go along, so I don’t want to be sitting dormant at all.”

With Mendes taking verbal jabs at McGregor, it only sets up another potential rematch that would see current the interim champ wearing a “real” belt. With all the possible outcomes, what’s your best scenario for Aldo vs McGregor and Mendes vs Edgar?