Chad Mendes has named the hardest puncher he has ever faced, and it is not Conor McGregor or Jose Aldo.
The former UFC featherweight contender shared his honest assessment when reflecting on the most powerful striker he encountered during his career.
Given the calibre of opponents he fought, the answer raised eyebrows. Instead of two former champions, Mendes pointed to another explosive name.
Chad Mendes says Josh Emmett hit him harder than McGregor or Aldo
Speaking in comments reported by talkSPORT, Chad Mendes said: “I’d say the hardest hitter I’ve ever trained with and been hit by is Josh Emmett by far.”
Mendes added: “That dude’s probably one of the most explosive and powerful strikers, like punchers, that I’ve ever felt. At least for me personally, that’s who it is.”
Mendes, who shared the cage with elite names including Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo, made clear that Josh Emmett’s raw power stood above the rest in his experience.
The emphasis on explosiveness rather than reputation underlined just how dangerous Emmett’s punching force felt in close quarters.
Chad Mendes outlines long-term plan after UFC career
Chad Mendes also addressed his current path, stating: “I’m in for the long haul. As long as my body holds up with RAF, I signed a five-match deal with those guys, and if we hit that and they want to do more, I’m all for it.”
He concluded: “This is an awesome way for me to help grow the sport and this brand and this platform, which I think is awesome for that next generation.”
The former title challenger has transitioned into new ventures while remaining closely connected to combat sports. His comments suggest he still carries the competitive mindset that defined his UFC run, even as he focuses on developing opportunities outside the traditional octagon setting.
For Mendes, the hardest punch he ever absorbed did not come from the sport’s biggest headline names. It came from a fighter whose power, in his words, was simply on another level.
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