Javier Vazquez has experienced the ups and downs of mixed martial arts. He says Chad Mendes hasn't and it's time for the hot shot featherweight prospect to learn a thing or two.
"He's got eight fights," Vazquez told the Las Vegas Sun. "This will be my 20th. I know where my mind was at eight fights. I don't care who he trains with, his mind is still going to be at eight fights. And the second he runs into somebody he can't just bully around, he's going to break. I'm going to break him mentally. I know I am."
Vazquez (15-4, 2-2 WEC) looks for a third straight win when he faces Mendes (8-0, 3-0 WEC) next week at WEC 52 in Las Vegas.
With a win over the unbeaten Mendes, he also has a chance to move up the ladder in search of a Jose Aldo fight. Mendes is already in that discussion for the 145-pound title belt. Vazquez doesn't see what he's has done to earn that status.
"I feel like I've earned my stripes in this sport," Vazquez said. "I've fought on the lower shows, fought on the undercard and worked my way up to the main card. I've put in my time. I don't feel like this kid has."
Mendes trains in Sacramento with a slew of lower weight stars under the tutelage of former WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber.
"He's a good athlete, but he's been kind of spoon-fed in a lot of ways. People like to drink the Alpha Male Kool-Aid and think everyone who comes out of that camp is the next best thing. I'm not hating," said Vazquez. "I'm just looking forward to proving I'm better."
Vazquez's career path is unique. The 33-year-old began fighting back in 1998 but grew tired of toiling in a sport that wasn't getting much attention or delivering legitimate paydays. He walked away from MMA for nearly four years before returning in 2007. He's looked good his last two times out and is now working with Antonio McKee. His takedown defense should be solid. It better be. Mendes was the runner-up in 141-pound weight class at the 2008 NCAA wrestling championships.
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