UFC 142 is this Saturday night. If there was ever an argument to be made that UFC is oversaturating the PPV market this might be it. There are no marquee names on the card. Most of these fighters won't draw in the casual viewer. This is a concept card eminating from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and featuring mostly Brazilian fighters. There is potential for some good action so let's take a look:
Featherweight Championship: Jose Aldo (20-1) vs. Chad Mendes (12-0)
Aldo is the hometown hero and an incredible striker. Mendes is undefeated and the better wrestler. Of course the problem with being the better wrestler is that you have to get your opponent to the ground first. Mendes might be able to do that, but not without sustaining some serious damage. Look for Aldo to use his lower extremities to his advantage and finish off Mendes in the latter rounds.
My prediction: Jose Aldo
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Middleweight bout: Vitor Belfort (20-9) vs. Anthony Johnson (10-3)
Belfort has seen and done it all and lately his role has been as a first round KO king. Johnson is also incredibly well-rounded, but this is his first fight as a middleweight. Plus, he's going into the lion's den against Belfort in his home country. I expect Johnson to put up a good fight, but look for Belfort to be victorious.
My prediction: Vitor Belfort
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Middleweight bout: Rousimar Palhares (13-3) vs. Mike Massenzio (13-5)
You want proof this PPV isn't for the casual viewer? Try pronouncing these last names! Massenzio is 3-4 since 2008. Palhares only has recent losses against Dan Henderson and Nate Marquardt.
My prediction: Rousimar Palhares
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Welterweight bout: Erick Silva (13-1-1) vs. Carlo Prater (29-10-1)
Prater has been beating up no-names for a while now, but this is his UFC debut. He's taking the fight on short notice and that never bodes well. I don't know much about Silva, but he knocked out his last opponent in 40 seconds. That's good enough for me.
My prediction: Erick Silva
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Lightweight bout: Edson Barboza (9-0) vs. Terry Etim (15-3)
Another wrestler vs. striker match. This may end up being Fight of the Night if it goes the distance, which I suspect it will. Much like the main event Etim won't prevail if he can't get Barboza off his feet. I hate to do it, but I'm picking Brazilian victories across the board. Look for Barboza to remain undefeated.
My prediction: Edson Barboza
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