Chad Mendes: ‘Itch Is Getting Stronger’ For A Return’

Former UFC Featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes is looking sharp as he mulls a return to combat sports.

Chad Mendes is ready to make money moves in the fight game.

Mendes (18-5) posted training footage to his official Instagram account on Monday. A jacked Mendes, 36, showed off his power punching combinations, head movement and footwork, as well as his conditioning on the treadmill.

“Another hard boxing session with @joey_rodriguez916 crushed!!” Mendes captioned the video. “The timing, power, footwork and speed have been coming together the last few weeks! Been loving the @miketyson and @canelo style of boxing baby!

“The itch is getting stronger and stronger! Might have to start talking some numbers soon,” he concluded with hashtags including “#boxing” and “#comeback.”

The post was ambiguous as to whether Mendes was considering a return to the UFC, another promotion or even perhaps a transition to boxing.

Mendes announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts after losing a back-and-forth Fight of the Night scrap against now UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. That bout took place at UFC 232 on Dec. 29, 2018, and ended via second-round TKO.

Mendes’ holds notable wins over Myles Jury, Ricardo Lamas, Nik Lentz, Clay Guida, Darren Elkins, Rani Yahya and Cub Swanson, among others. He fought Jose Aldo twice for world titles, vyed for an interim title against Conor McGregor and shared the Octagon with Frankie Edgar.