featherweight championship defense when his future was already being decided.
, according to UFC president Dana White.
When asked if Mendes was the next No. 1 contender, White agreed, but with a caveat.
"I'm pretty sure, yeah," he said. "But we'll see. Maybe Frankie [Edgar] calls me and says he wants to move to 145. We'll see what happens."
Edgar, though, made it pretty clear after his fourth-round TKO win over Gray Maynard that a move to featherweight is his ace in the hole, and it's not a move he plans to make while he still holds the lightweight championship. Unless he has a change of heart, that should clearly leave Mendes in position to try to unseat Aldo.
Fighting on Friday that he was hopeful of the matchup.
"I think I match up better than anybody in the division," he said. "Obviously my standup is nowhere near his. I'm not an idiot. I know that. But, I think with my wrestling credentials, my strength, my athleticism, I don't think he's faced anybody like that yet. And for me to get in there, put him on his back and take him out of his comfort zone, I think that's going to be key to beating a guy like that."
Aldo moved to 20-1 by beating Florian. The win was his 13th straight.
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UFC 136 Photos
Mike Massenzio def. Steve Cantwell via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
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UFC 136 Photos
Mike Massenzio def. Steve Cantwell via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Mike Massenzio def. Steve Cantwell via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Mike Massenzio def. Steve Cantwell via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Aaron Simpson def. Eric Schafer via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Aaron Simpson def. Eric Schafer via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Aaron Simpson def. Eric Schafer via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Aaron Simpson def. Eric Schafer via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Aaron Simpson def. Eric Schafer via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Aaron Simpson def. Eric Schafer via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
Aaron Simpson def. Eric Schafer via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Darren Elkins def. Tiequan Zhang via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
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UFC 136 Photos
Darren Elkins raises his arms after his fight against Tiequan Zhang at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
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UFC 136 Photos
Darren Elkins tries to choke out Tiequan Zhang at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
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UFC 136 Photos
Tiequan Zhang attempts a guillotine choke on Darren Elkins at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
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UFC 136 Photos
Darren Elkins ground and pounds Tiequan Zhang at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
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UFC 136 Photos
Anthony Pettis def. Jeremy Stephens via split decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Anthony Pettis fights off his back against Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Anthony Pettis tries to take down Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Jeremy Stephens receives advice from his corner at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Joey Beltran charges at Stipe Miocic at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Stipe Miocic (right) throws a punch at Joey Beltran at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Demian Maia collides with Jorge Santiago at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Demian Maia throws a left hand at a kicking Jorge Santiago at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Stipe Miocic def. Joey Beltran via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Joe Lauzon def. Melvin Guillard via rear-naked choke in 47 seconds at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Joe Lauzon attempts a rear-naked choke on Melvin Guillard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Joe Lauzon def. Melvin Guillard via rear-naked choke in 47 seconds at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Melvin Guillard trades strikes with Joe Lauzon at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Joe Lauzon attempts a rear-naked choke on Melvin Guillard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Joe Lauzon chases after the stunned Melvin Guillard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Melvin Guillard shows his excitement to fight Joe Lauzon at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan punches Leonard Garcia at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan punches Leonard Garcia at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan receives corner instructions at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Leonard Garcia clashes with Nam Phan at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
Leonard Garcia wants more of Nam Phan at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan punches Leonard Garcia in the body at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
Leonard Garcia charges Nam Phan with punches at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Leonard Garcia charges Nam Phan with punches at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan raises his arms after his fight against Leonard Garcia at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan def. Leonard Garcia via unanimous decision at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan is overjoyed with his win over Leonard Garcia at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Fight of the Night winners Nam Phan and Leonard Garcia talk to Joe Rogan at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen controls Brian Stann on the ground at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen climbs the back of Brian Stann at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Brian Stann listens to his corner between rounds at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen mounts Brian Stann on the ground at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen lifts Brian Stann for a slam at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen submits Brian Stann with an arm-triangle choke at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen walks away after submitting Brian Stann at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Brian Stann looks down in defeat at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen def. Brian Stann via submission at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen calls out Anderson Silva at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Kenny Florian and Jose Aldo meet to touch gloves before their fight at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo chases a stunned Kenny Florian at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Jose Aldo throws a punch at Kenny Florian at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Jose Aldo lands a shot on the body of Kenny Florian at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Kenny Florian throws a leg kick at Jose Aldo at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Jose Aldo throws a punch at Kenny Florian at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
Jose Aldo lands a front kick on Kenny Florian at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Jose Aldo connects with a right hand on Kenny Florian at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Kenny Florian throws a front kick on Jose Aldo at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Jose Aldo performs a backflip off the cage after his fight against Kenny Florian at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Jose Aldo def. Kenny Florian via unanimous at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Frankie Edgar is ready to face Gray Maynard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Frankie Edgar meets Gray Maynard in the center of the cage before their title fight at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar tries to take down Gray Maynard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard tries to finish Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard throws a headkick at Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard lands a flying knee on Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Frankie Edgar connects on a left hand on Gray Maynard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard receives corner instructions at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard tries to maintain a distance from Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard charges towards Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Frankie Edgar throws a punch at Gray Maynard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard tries to clinch with Frankie Edgar at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Frankie Edgar rocks Gray Maynard en route to his KO win at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
Frankie Edgar stumbles Gray Maynard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Frankie Edgar finishes Gray Maynard with left hands at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Frankie Edgar finishes Gray Maynard with left hands at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Frankie Edgar celebrates his KO over Gray Maynard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Frankie Edgar plays to the camera at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting -
UFC 136 Photos
Frankie Edgar celebrates his successful lightweight title defense with his team at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting - UFC 136 Photos Vanessa Hanson was the guest Octagon Girl at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Joey Beltran walks off in disappointment after his loss at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Anthony Pettis wants the armbar against Jeremy Stephens at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Melvin Guillard exits the cage after losing to Joe Lauzon at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther LIn, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Joe Lauzon walks back to his locker room after his upset win over Melvin Guillard at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Nam Phan and Leonard Garcia raise their arms after their fight at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Chael Sonnen exits the cage after beating Chael Sonnen at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Kenny Florian leaves the cage after his loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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UFC 136 Photos
Jose Aldo celebrates his successful featherweight title defense with his team at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
- UFC 136 Photos Gray Maynard walks to his locker room after suffering his first career loss at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
- UFC 136 Photos Frankie Edgar wears his belt out of the cage at UFC 136 on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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