You need to watch the epic co-main event of Eddie "The Underground King" Alvarez vs. Chad Mendez, and here are five reasons why…
#1 - EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING - ALVAREZ AND MENDES HAVE IT
When you look at the tale of the tape for Alvarez vs. Mendez, you see the following:
Alvarez | Mendes
30 - 9 - 0 RECORD 18 - 5 - 0
53% KOs 44%
5'10" HEIGHT 5'6"
155 lbs WEIGHT 145 lbs
39 AGE 37
What sticks out? Experience.
Mendes with a recorded 23 fights, and Alvarez with 39 pro bouts. These are men who have seen everything in combat and know how to react to every situation. This will not be a situation where one fighter is overwhelmed and can't figure out a plan B - instead, this will be two fighters engaging in Bare Knuckle combat which will inevitably become a battle of attrition.
Each man has fought quality opposition in the past. If you look at Eddie Alvarez's resume, you see living legends and top competitors such as Conor McGregor, Donald Cerrone, Michael Chandler, Anthony Pettis, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and many others. A veritable who's who of top names.
The same can be said of Chad Mendes - previous bouts include Conor McGregor, Frankie Edgar, Jose Aldo, Alexander Volkanovski, and others.
Quality opposition - win, lose, or draw leads to experience. Experience in the ring leads to toughness and situational awareness. When both men possess this, as is the case between Alvarez and Mendes - fireworks are sure to be produced. I expect no different from the BKFC 41 co-main event on April 29. And catch it on FITE with a unique offer for FITE users. The price for the event is $49.99 on PPV but only $24.99 for FITE+ subscribers (50% off the PPV price).
#2 - WHEN EDDIE ALVAREZ AND CHAD MENDES MEET - ANYTHING CAN AND WILL HAPPEN
Combat sports has long been called the "Theater of the Unexpected," and I expect to witness the unexpected on April 29. If you look back at both men's fights, win, lose or draw - there has been no way to correctly predict the outcome. In this bout, Mendes talks about being excited and motivated:
"It's been tough staying motivated but this excites me and motivates me. Eddie Alvarez and I have both been at the top and we'll be pushing the pace which will make this a fantastic BKFC fight."
We've often seen fighters push themselves as hard as possible in training camp when there is a substantial prize to be won. That is the case on April 29, and Mendes, by his own admission, says he has not been motivated in the past the way he is now. Mendes knows what a win over Eddie Alvarez could do for his legacy.
The other possible key for Mendes will be the confidence of a BKFC win under his belt. Both men have fought in MMA at the highest level, but Mendes took out Joshua Famez in KNUCKLEMANIA II in February of 2022. Meanwhile, Alvarez has been competing in ONE Championship from 2019 onwards but made the amicable split recently. That opened up the door for Eddie to take a shot at Bare Knuckle. While there are certainly similarities between MMA and Bare Knuckle - you would have to favor someone who has been in BKFC ring.
For Eddie Alvarez, this challenge excites him:
"The right opportunity and the right opponent. It's a very cool new sport and I have someone really violent in front of me…I've had numerous bare knuckle fights back in Philly, but this is the first time I'm getting paid and I'm going to defend my honor."
#3 - EDDIE ALVAREZ - BORN TO COMPETE IN COMBAT
Eddie Alvares has been competing in combat for nearly two decades at high levels. The one they call "The Underground Kind" is widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters in the history of the sport. Alvarez has competed at the top organizations in the combat world, including the UFC, Bellator, ONE and now BKFC.
Born in 1984, in Philadelphia, it was clear Alvarez was destined for combat. It all started in wrestling - a common jumping off point for future combat sports stars. Alvarez won several high school titles. He later transitioned to boxing, and then to mixed martial arts, where he quickly made a name for himself on the regional circuit.
Alvarez is known for an aggressive style and ability to adapt to any situation in the cage or ring. A well-rounded fighter with excellent boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu skills, and is equally comfortable grappling or striking. Known for his toughness and his willingness to engage in wars with his opponents - and that will certainly be on display on April 29 against Chad Mendes.
Outside of the cage, Alvarez is a family man who is passionate about giving back to his community. He has worked with several charities over the years, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and is a role model for many young fighters who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
You could say that in the cage or ring - Alvarez is one of the most accomplished and exciting fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. It's been a journey at the highest level of combat sports for nearly two decades, and Alvarez has left a lasting impression on fans around the world with his thrilling performances and his warrior spirit. Win, lose, or draw, Alvarez remains a beloved figure in the sport, and his legacy as a pioneer of the sport is secure.
But with that said, Alvarez would love to add a win over Chad Mendes in Bare Knuckle to his already impressive resume. That opportunity comes on April 29 as the co-main event for BKFC 41.
#4 - CHAD MENDES - A HARD WORKER WHO LOOKS TO BUILD UPON BKFC SUCCESS
Competing and winning in BKFC is a tremendous feat on its own, but it did not happen overnight. Mendes has been competing in combat since his grade school days. Born in 1985, Mendes was a standout wrestler in high school and went on to compete at California Polytechnic State University - where he was a two-time All-American. After college, Mendes began his MMA career in 2008 and quickly made a name for himself on the regional circuit.
Mendes lit up the UFC early when he joined in 2011 - winning his first five bouts right out of the gate - four by knockout. Mendes earned several title shots throughout his tenure and is known for his explosive takedowns and his powerful overhand right, which he used to devastating effect throughout his career - a tool he will certainly want to show on April 29 vs Eddie Alvarez. Mendes is a fan favorite for his charismatic personality and well-rounded personality.
Mendes is an avid hunting enthusiast and also runs a clothing company. When motivated, Mendes has an unparalleled work ethic - the dedication to the craft is clear. With the challenge of BKFC, Mendes was excited to continue competing and said, "It's been a lifelong grind and it ain't over yet!"
Mendes is known for precision striking and his ability to finish fights. In addition to his wrestling and striking, Mendes is also a skilled grappler with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He was able to use his grappling skills to defend against takedowns and to control his opponents on the ground, where he often worked to set up submissions or ground-and-pound.
Mendes' style of fighting was characterized by his explosiveness and his ability to dictate the pace of the fight. He was often able to take his opponents down at will and control them on the ground, or land a powerful shot that would put them in trouble. He is known for his toughness and ability to take a punch, which allowed him to weather storms and come back stronger in later rounds.
No question - A motivated and hungry Chad Mendes will show up on April 29th vs Eddie Alvarez.
#5 - BKFC 41 - A STACKED CARD THAT PROMISES TO DELIVER
Eddie Alvarez vs. Chad Mendes is a can't miss fight on a can't miss card. BKFC President David Feldman talks about it:
"This is the biggest event we've done in five years and will be seen by over 20,000,000 viewers worldwide. This show is amazing to have these true MMA legends coming over to this new sport. If you've never watched BKFC, this is the one to see, the most exciting, fast paced sport in the world featuring the baddest men and women in the world."
At the top of the bill is a tremendous main event headlined by Mike Perry and Luke Rockhold.
Mike Perry is ready to make a statement:
"I'm looking to knock Rockhold out with every punch from the start. I'm going up against a taller, stronger, uglier fighter. I love punching people in the face and breaking their hands with my head."
Luke Rockhold is also ready to seize the moment:
"I'm ready for Mike Perry, I'm different and there's a reason he never made it to the top. I believe in my strength, footwork and power and I'm going to adapt just fine. A win is a win and I'm going to capitalize on all of his mistakes. You can't avoid a fight in BKFC and there's nothing more exciting than a fight with Mike Perry."
And while the main event is exciting - the co-main event sees two living legends who have urgency to get a huge win on the BKFC 41 stage - Eddie Alvarez vs Chad Mendes.
Eddie Alvarez has an unquestionable passion for the sport:
"Fighting is what I love to do. There's nothing else that gives me the feeling of being alive."
"I don't fight for the money or the fame. I fight because it's in my blood. It's what I was born to do."
And while Alvarez is passionate - Mendes shares the same sentiment:
"Fighting is my passion, and I'm grateful every day for the opportunity to do what I love. It's a blessing to be able to compete at the highest level, and I never take it for granted."
"I don't fight for the fame or the money. I fight because I love it. It's a part of who I am, and I can't imagine ever giving it up."
Two supremely motivated and experienced fighters who have both spent a lifetime in combat. It's a matchup that you don't want to miss and is guaranteed to produce fireworks. Eddie "The Underground King" Alvarez vs Chad "Money" Mendes. The co-main event for BKFC 41 on April 29. Catch it on FITE with a unique offer for FITE users. The price for the event is $49.99 on PPV but only $24.99 for FITE+ subscribers (50% off the PPV price).
