Chad Eduardo Mendes[1] (born May 1, 1985)[5] is an American professional bare-knuckle boxer, and former mixed martial artist and collegiate wrestler who is currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

[7] Competing as a Cal Poly Mustang, he was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and a Pac-10 Conference champion in folkstyle wrestling.

As a senior, Mendes finished the year with a 30–1 record; he placed 2nd in the 2008 NCAA championships at 141 lb., falling to Ohio State's J Jaggers in the title match.

[10] After the conclusion of his collegiate career, Mendes began to train mixed martial arts with Team Alpha Male.

[citation needed] Mendes faced Anthony Morrison, replacing an injured Mackens Semerzier,[12] on April 24, 2010 at WEC 48.

[16] Mendes was able to utilize his improved striking to complement his superior wrestling to dictate where he wanted to take the action.

[citation needed] On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

[28] However, in just days before the event, Dias pulled out of the bout, citing a shoulder injury, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Yaotzin Meza.

[34] However, it was revealed on March 15 that Guida had pulled out of the bout, citing an injury,[35] and he was replaced by Darren Elkins.

[48] Mendes faced Ricardo Lamas on April 4, 2015 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 63.

[53] However, in the days leading up to the fight, Aldo pulled out of the bout because of a rib injury he sustained in training.

[57] After returning from his suspension and two-and-a-half years away from the sport, Mendes faced Myles Jury on July 14, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 133.

[71] On June 10, 2016, the UFC announced that Mendes had been informed of a potential doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition test conducted by USADA.

[77] Lee was replaced by Diego Brandão on short notice, and Mendes won the match by decision.

[81] Mendes was charged with battery for his alleged involvement in a bar fight on July 29, 2012 in his hometown of Hanford, California.

The Kings County District Attorney's Office announced on August 25, 2012, that it would seek a battery charge against Mendes.

[82] The charges were dropped after Mendes pleaded no contest to a count of public disturbance and paid a fine.