We’ll never know for sure to what extend Jose Aldo’s cage-grab played in their first fight, but Chad Mendes is determined not to let it become a factor in their upcoming second fight at UFC 176.

Aldo (24-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC), the UFC’s long-reigning featherweight titleholder, first fought Mendes (16-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) in early 2012 at UFC 142. A first-round knee took Mendes off his feet and set up the knockout win for the champ.

But prior to the fight-ending blow, Aldo avoided a takedown with a fence-grab. Less than a minute later, he got the win.

“It sucks looking back on it,” Mendes recently told MMAjunkie. “I’ve watched that fight multiple times, and it pisses me off every time. I mean, that definitely would have changed at least the first round.

” … We’re definitely going to be talking to the refs beforehand this time, and I’m really going to be working on getting takedowns out in the open.”

The 145-pounders headline UFC 176’s pay-per-view card, which takes place Aug. 2 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Mendes had to win five straight bouts (including four via knockout) after the initial Aldo loss to get a second shot at the belt.

After waiting so long for redemption, he said he’s determined not to let one of MMA’s most common fouls become a factor again.

“A lot of those guys out there, you take them down against the cage, and they’re grabbing it every time,” Mendes said. “It’s definitely something we’re going to be focusing on.”

Check out the full conversation above.

And for the latest on UFC 176, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.