UFC 142 Aldo vs. Mendes: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 142 Aldo vs. Mendes (UFC Rio 2)
January 14, 2012
HSBC Arean
Brazil

Main Card (PPV):
Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo (21-1) vs. Chad Mendes (11-0) "Money" earned the shot defeating an array of solid fighters though none the caliber of the Champion. Aldo comes in from two dominant Decision victories that showed a more tactical warrior. Chad will no doubt be looking to employ the Team Alpha Male style wrestling putting Jose on the defensive where Mark Hominick had some late success. Aldo just has some of the best striking and striking defense in the game, not to mention a rumored to be brilliant Jiu-Jitsu he has yet to need. The leg kicks should be minimal to avoid takedown attempts as "Scarface" slowly breaks Mendes down who is surprised by the power and speed which are normally his. I expect Chad to be there till the end fighting just a step behind.

WINNER-Jose Aldo by Decision

Vitor Belfort (20-9) vs. Anthony Johnson (10-3) "Rumble" makes the move up to Middleweight and misses weight by a ridiculous 11 pounds! Vitor takes the fight provided Johnson makes 205 the day of the fight and the purse is fined. Not to mention, and visibly angered Dana White said Johnson's job is on the line "win or lose." Oh, Tony is in some trouble and he hasn't even stepped in against the fast KOing "Phenom." "Rumble" is obviously a beast who will look to his power to get Belfort to the mat avoiding the possibility of being rocked. Belfort is average from his back but adequate enough to avoid true trouble. I think this is probably a slower fight than expected but Belfort will be looking to make an example of his unprofessional opponent who disrespected the sport and should be dealt with in front of the home crowd. I was going to pick "Rumble" but yet another weigh in fiasco turns the tide for a now angered Belfort.

WINNER-Vitor Belfort by Rd.2 TKO

Rousimar Palhares (13-3) vs. Mike Massenzio (13-5) Every one's favorite rule breaker "Toquinho" is back back after seeing a sports psychologist and continuing to get into trouble for dirty tactics and outright cheating. Still, if Rousimar catches your leg he is going to snap it! The Jersey Short kid is going to come jacked and then will be screaming before the break as "Toquinho" bathes is his blood before eating his kill.

WINNER-Rousimar Palhares by Rd.1 Submission

Erick Silva (13-1) vs. Carlo Prater (29-10-1) 9 wins in a row for "Indio" a lauded prospect who won his Zuffa debut in a mere 40 seconds who also trains with Team Nogueira. "Neo" makes his UFC debut with a long less than impressive record as a well traveled veteran. The kid is going to blow Prater out of the water probably before the horn ends the 1st round. Erick will put Carlo down with strikes before a quick tapout.

WINNER-Erick Silva by Rd.1 Submission

Edson Barboza, Jr. (9-0) vs. Terry Etim (15-3) The undefeated Jr. comes in off hard fought victories against "Ten Inch" Terry who looks to employ his submission game with his long limbs. Barboza is going to bomb kicks to Etim's tiny legs though that could leave Edson open for the takedown and submission. Edson must not be overconfident on the ground but should edge the Brit in a tough bout.

WINNER-Edson Barboza Jr. by Decision

Prelims (FX):
Thiago Tavares (16-4-1) vs. Sam Stout (17-6-1) You just don't know which Tavares is going to show up for fights. One night he looks like a title contender, the next you wonder why he hasn't been cut. "Hands of Stone" is a vaunted striker who has fought elite competition and excelled more than failed. Stout will be comfortable on the feet but must avoid the coming takedown from Thiago when he struggles standing. Sam's takedown defense is strong and I look for him to continue sprawling and brawling staying out of trouble using his technical striking to catches the crowds eye. Sam will also be looking to make a statement to honor Shawn Thompkins (R.I.P.).

WINNER-Sam Stout by Decision

Gabriel Gonzaga (12-6) vs. Edinaldo Oliveira (13-0-1) Welcome back "Napao" who got a win outside of the UFC and is making his comeback. "Lulo" is an undefeated striker, the style that has hurt Gonzaga in his worst losses. Gabe's time has past and though he is a well rounded fighter, when hurt he crumbles and Oliveira's pressure will make him work more than he wants as Gonzaga quits in his mind again bringing the loss.

Upset WINNER-Edinaldo Oliveira by Rd.3 TKO

Yuri Alcantara (26-3) vs. Michihiro Omigawa (13-10-1) Omigawa has struggled recently in the MMA game as he record approached .500 range. "Marajo" rides in on a 12 fight winning streak though this is the best competition he has faced to date. I just don't see the hunger anymore for Omigawa as he is eventually overcome by far more talented fighter.

WINNER-Yuri Alcantara by Decision

Ricardo Funch (8-2) vs. Mike Pyle (21-8-1) The Funch Bunch comes in as a late replacement who happens to be Brazilian though he has fought in America for years. Anywho, Pyle is far more talented veteran who is going to take the kid to school. The gap will be apparent as "Quicksand" looks for sub of the night money.

WINNER-Mike Pyle by Rd.3 Submission

Prelim (Facebook):
Felipe Arantes (13-4) vs. Antonio Carvalho (13-4) "Pato" makes a Zuffa debut repping Canada and a solid resume. Arantes is coming off a loss and honestly doesn't impress much. Take Carvalho to work his way to victory.

WINNER-Antonio Carvalho by Decision