Chad Mendes, synonymous with mixed martial arts (MMA), has carved out a significant niche in combat sports.
Known for his explosive fighting style and impressive wrestling background, Mendes has made a name for himself in the octagon and ventured into various business endeavors.
In this article, you will know Chad Mendes’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Chad Mendes’s Biography
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Chad Edward Mendes |
| Birth Date | May 1, 1985 |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 145 lbs |
| Nickname | Money |
| Team | Team Alpha Male |
Chad Eduardo Mendes was born in Hanford, California, on May 1, 1985. He grew up with a passion for wrestling, which he pursued throughout school.
Early Life
Mendes attended California Polytechnic State University, where he became a 2-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler.
This wrestling pedigree laid a solid foundation for his transition into MMA.
Professional Career
Chad Mendes began his professional MMA career in 2008 and quickly rose.
He joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2011, where he competed in the featherweight division.
Mendes was known for his powerful takedowns and striking ability, which earned him multiple title shots.
Notable fights include his bouts against Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor, which were highlights of his UFC career.
After retiring from the UFC in 2019, Mendes signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) in 2021.
His debut at BKFC was marked by a victory over Joshuah Alvarez, showcasing his adaptability and skill in bare-knuckle boxing.
Wife
Chad Mendes is married to Abby Raines. They tied the knot on August 5, 2017, at The HideOut, Kirkwood, California.
The couple has a daughter named Tallulah Mendes, born in 2019, and another born in 2021.
Chad Mendes’s Net Worth Details
Chad Mendes’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025.
Contract
Mendes signed a multi-fight contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) in August 2021 after being released from his UFC contract at his request.
Career Earnings
| Source of Earnings | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Fight Purses | $1.5 million (as of 2021) |
| Endorsements | Significant contributions to his net worth, exact figures not provided |
| Entrepreneurial Ventures | Substantial earnings from his fitness company, Fins and Feathers |
| Investments | Contributions to his wealth, exact figures not disclosed |
| YouTube Estimated Earnings | $2.54K – $15.2K (as of August 2024) |
Endorsement
Chad Mendes has done endorsement work for the following brands:
- Reebok
- MTN OPS Supplements
- Lethal Products
- Traeger Grills
- Vortex Optics
- Phone Skope
- The Fever
Career Stats
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 18-5-0 |
| Winning Method – KO/TKO | 8/18 |
| Winning Method – Submission | 2/18 |
| Winning Method – Decision | 8/18 |
| Losing Method – KO/TKO | 4/5 |
| Losing Method – Decision | 1/5 |
FAQs
1. Who is Chad Mendes?
Chad Mendes is a retired American mixed martial artist, collegiate wrestler, and bare-knuckle boxer. He gained fame competing in the UFC featherweight division, where he challenged for the championship three times. He also excelled in collegiate wrestling at Cal Poly, earning NCAA All-American honors twice.
2. What are Chad Mendes’ notable MMA achievements?
Mendes earned multiple awards, including Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses. His 2014 fight against José Aldo was named Fight of the Year. He holds a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 5 losses, with 8 wins by knockout.
3. Why did Chad Mendes transition to bare-knuckle boxing?
After retiring from MMA in 2018, Mendes signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) in 2022. He considered bare-knuckle boxing safer than MMA and saw it as an opportunity to extend his combat sports career while earning lucrative paydays.
4. What is Chad Mendes’ wrestling background?
Mendes wrestled at California Polytechnic State University, achieving a career record of 64–14. He was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and won the Pac-10 Conference Championship in 2008, finishing as runner-up in the NCAA Championships that year.
5. What business ventures is Chad Mendes involved in?
Mendes co-founded Finz and Featherz, a hunting and fishing guide service that combines his love for outdoor activities with entrepreneurship. This business provides an alternative income stream beyond combat sports.
6. Who are Chad Mendes’ most notable opponents?
Mendes faced top fighters such as José Aldo, Conor McGregor, Frankie Edgar, and Alexander Volkanovski during his MMA career. His fights against Aldo were particularly memorable, including their 2014 Fight of the Year bout.
7. What is Chad Mendes’ ethnic background?
Mendes has a diverse heritage that includes Portuguese, Italian, Puerto Rican, Irish, and Native American ancestry. He often acknowledges his multicultural roots.
8. When did Chad Mendes retire from combat sports?
Mendes officially retired after his loss to Eddie Alvarez at BKFC 41 in May 2023. He previously retired from MMA in 2019 but returned to compete in bare-knuckle boxing before his final retirement.
9. What awards has Chad Mendes received in combat sports?
Mendes earned accolades such as Knockout of the Night, Fight of the Night (twice), Performance of the Night (twice), and Fight of the Year (2014). These awards highlight his skill and entertaining fighting style.
10. How has Chad Mendes influenced combat sports?
Mendes is recognized for his contributions to MMA and bare-knuckle boxing. His versatility across disciplines and high-profile fights have inspired many fighters and increased global interest in combat sports.
