Conor McGregor’s former rival Chad Mendes says ‘mental strength’ will be key factor at UFC 329

One of Conor McGregor’s biggest rivals, Chad Mendes, believes McGregor is uniquely equipped to deal with immense pressure at UFC 329.

Conor McGregor made many enemies earlier in his UFC career, including UFC Hall of Famers Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jose Aldo. During his meteoric rise, McGregor backed up his trash talk with many legendary highlights, including his 13-second knockout against Aldo at UFC 194.

McGregor’s interim featherweight title bout against Chad Mendes at UFC 189 catapulted his stardom to new heights. McGregor rallied to finish Mendes after battling through the first moments of adversity early in his UFC tenure.

As McGregor prepares to return to the Octagon this weekend at UFC 329, Mendes battled several challenges in his own combat sports comeback in Bare Knuckle FC. He went 1-1 in BKFC after a long, decorated run in the UFC that included numerous instant classic fights.

Despite their past hostilities, Mendes believes McGregor can pull off a comeback seldom seen in sports this weekend against BMF titleholder Max Holloway.

Chad Mendes: Conor McGregor uniquely qualified to pull off miraculous comeback

In a recent appearance on The Bohnfire podcast, Mendes was asked about the challenges McGregor faces and how he can overcome them.

“I do think it’s difficult, but I don’t think it’s impossible,” Mendes said of McGregor.

“I was gone for a long time and I was second-guessing myself when I got back in there for bare knuckle. If you do the right things for enough time, a lot of it comes back. I don’t think all of it does. When I was at the peak of my UFC career it was a different beast, and now I’m way older. Same with Conor.

“Whether we like to admit it or not, the older we get, Father Time takes its toll. There’s things that go away. Maybe the reaction time a little bit, maybe the speed, maybe the strength,” Mendes continued on McGregor. “Whatever it may be. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t doable. I think because he is such an athlete, and he’s a mentally strong human being, those things combined, if he’s doing the right things, I see him getting in there and doing it.” (h/t MMA Junkie)

What is your prediction for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2? Let us know in the comments!