LAS VEGAS -- This is the UFC 126 live blog for Michihiro Omigawa vs. Chad Mendes, a featherweight bout on tonight's UFC on Spike TV preliminary card from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.Mendes (9-0) enters the UFC undefeated in four WEC fights. Omigawa (12-8-1) went from 4-6 as a lightweight to 8-2-1 since dropping down to featherweight. The winner here will likely face the winner of Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick for the WEC featherweight strap.
The live blog is below.
Round 1: Mendes with an overhand right early. Mendes came from a wrestling background but looks like he's getting more comfortable with his standup. He does keep his hands low though. Mendes' right finds Omigawa's chin again, solid punch. Mendes shot in but Omigawa stuffed him. Omigawa lazily moved forward and Mendes ducked low and took him down with 1:50 left. Omigawa tried an armlock but Mendes kept his composure and powered free. Mendes stays on top for most of the rest of the round, taking it 10-9.
Round 2: Mendes catches Omigawa with a power right that puts him down in the opening seconds of the round. Mendes tries to go for the finish with hard rights from the top, but Omigawa hangs on. Mendes continues with the assault until Omigawa threatens to grab a leg, and Mendes gets up. Omigawa's nose is bloodied as he rises from the canvas. Omigawa continues moving forward and stalking Mendes around. Mendes tries a takedown and Omigawa shows excellent balance as he stays on his feet. Mendes chops at his opponent's legs with inside kicks. He's really rounding into a fully formed fighter. Mendes continues to use Omigawa's aggression against him, blasting into a takedown as he moved forward. Another round for Mendes, 10-9.
Round 3: Some top-level grappling early in the round as the two jockey for position on the ground, with Mendes ending up on top. Mendes slows down to a grinding style, controlling the position. He lands a powerful elbow at one point. Omigawa eventually gets back up but he's way behind on the scorecards and needs to get into desperation mode. Mendes drives for another takedown inside of the left minute, and that should do it. Mendes with some late ground and pound, and rides the position to another 10-9 round, and likely, the win.
Winner: Chad Mendes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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