Jose Aldo vs Chad Mendes
This is (another) classic striker vs grappler matchup. Since coming to the UFC, Aldo has shown a much more cautious and refined strking game. Gone (at least temporarily) is the guy that knocked out Cub Swanson with two flying knees in eight seconds. I believe he is fighting safer due to the prestigious UFC belt. His fight with Mark Hominick was a great one but he visibly gassed in the last round due to an illness suffered before the bout. His lackluster win against Kenny Florian had more to do with Florian’s gameplan than Aldo. Mendes trains with Team Alpha Male with guys like Joseph Benavidez, Urijah Faber and Danny Castillo. Translation = his wrestling is top notch. He’ll look to close the gap, clinch and shoot for takedowns for five rounds. He has also shown great cardio in the past so this is also in his favor. This fight is difficult to predict. As much as I can visualize Mendes trying to grind and wear Aldo down for 5 rounds, 25 minutes is a LONG time to be in the cage with Aldo without Aldo landing something significant.
Prediction: Aldo by TKO
Vitor Belfort vs Anthony Johnson
This promises to be an explosive matchup. Belfort will rely on his boxing and hand speed and look for the knockout. Which Johnson will show up? The dominant wrestler or the striker? Belfort has had problems with wrestlers in the past, Randy Couture and Dan Henderson come to mind. If Johnson tries to strike with Belfort, I see a knockout victory for Belfort. If Johnson tries to clinch and wrestle with Belfort, it’s anybody’s fight.
Prediction: Belfort by TKO.
Mike Massenzio vs Rousimar Palhares
This is the fight I’m most looking forward to on this card. Why? Simply, Palhares is unpredictable, violent and dangerously skilled. The guy has vicious, vicious leg locks and kneebars and has a great ground game. He also has a tendency to do wild things in the cage like when he celebrated about winning his fight over Dan Miller. The problem? The ref hadn’t stopped the fight and the fight was re-started. Palhares ended up winning a 3 round decision but it was bizarre to say the least. Massenzio was recently triangled by Brian Stann (with due respect, a grappler not on Palhares’ level) so I see a submission win for Palhares followed by him celebrating his win AFTER the fight has been officially stopped by the referee and for him to continue to climb the contender’s list at middleweight.
Prediction: Palhares by submission
Carlo Prater vs Erick Silva
Silva electrified the Rio crowd in August with a blistering knockout of Luis Ramos in just 40 seconds. As exciting as that was, hopefully we can see more of the Brazilian this time around. This proves to be an excellent matchup. Can Prater strike with Silva? Can Silva showcase more than a big overhand punch this time around? Look for Silva to find his range and go 2 for 2 fighting in his home country.
Prediction: Silva by TKO.
Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim
Joe Silva really did an unbelievable job here. This is another fight that will be fireworks. Barboza has a very clear mission in fighting: keep the fight standing so he can unleash his vicious muay thai. His fight with Anthony Njokuani back in March was an amazing back and forth battle that led him to getting the nod. His fight with Ross Pearson was also a barnburner. Etim is no slouch on the feet but will be looking to take this to the ground immediately, where he should have a distinct advantage. This should be another explosive matchup for Rio.
Prediction: Barboza by decision
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