Chad Mendes thinks he can compete at MMA's highest level, but insists he's done

LAS VEGAS – Chad Mendes does not have the itch to return to MMA.

Speaking at the Quintet Ultra media scrum, Mendes said while he still thinks he can compete at the highest level, he is happily retired.

“I know I could. I just – I’m done with that chapter,” Mendes told MMA Junkie. “I’m excited to be retired and loving my life right now. My little baby girl and the business is going well, so I’m good where I’m at.”

Mendes is set to compete in the Quintet Ultra grappling competition Thursday as part of Team WEC. The three-time UFC featherweight title challenger will open up the competition by taking on Team Strikeforce’s former Gesias Cavalcante.

Mendes hopes to to remain active by taking part in a lot more grappling competitions in the future.

“I love competing, man. I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid,” Mendes said. “Any chance that I can to get in and do something like this – wrestling is my background, the grappling stuff, so this stuff is super fun for me. I don’t have to get punched in the head, and make a little money and have fun with the boys. It’s something I’m looking forward to and I’d definitely do it again in the future.”

Quintet Ultra takes place in Las Vegas ahead of UFC 245, which takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The UFC 245 main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.