LSCII
Cup driven
I think its important to note that he got Holloway a long time ago and Mendes had like 2 weeks (or less?) to prepare for their fight (to go along with media obligations and everything else that comes along with fight week.)
Regardless, he's defended his belt zero times. I imagine he'll do so once at most before he retires from fighting all together. Hard to put someone up there as the GOAT when that is the case.
The Aldo win is a pretty big scalp though. I doubt he ever fights Khabib (who ****ed this up for himself) and hes lucky, because that wouldn't go well for him at all.
Re-watch that Mendes fight. McGregor picked him apart with those body kicks. Sure, Chad got him down and roughed him up a bit, but every time they got back to their feet, he got kicked to the body, which left his head susceptible for the big punches that ultimately ended his night. Maybe it takes longer if they were to fight again, but I see it going pretty much the same way.
And let's not forget, Mendes is a PED user and hasn't gotten a second shot with a normal training camp because he's currently suspended for doping. He's still got another year before he can even come back.