The UFC returns to Brazil for tonight’s event, and it will feature pound-for-pound star and reigning UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo (20-1), who will be defending his title against No. 1 contender and former NCAA Division I wrestler Chad Mendes (11-0).
Aldo was last seen defending his title against Kenny Florian, who he defeated by unanimous decision at UFC 136. Mendes is 2-0 in the UFC with wins over Michihiro Omigawa and Rani Yahya.
In the co-main event, Anthony Johnson will battle Vitor Belfort in a catchweight bout at 197 pounds. Johnson came in 11 pounds overweight, and it has put the pressure to perform at its highest for the 27-year-old. Belfort enters having coming off a knockout victory of Yoshihiro Akiyama.
Other main card bouts include Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim, Erick Silva vs. Carlo Prater and Rousimar Palhares vs. Mike Massenzio
These are the three top contenders for fight of the night.
Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim
With two young and hungry stand-up fighters like Barboza and Etim going up against each other, fans can expect to see a war in this one.
Barboza is 3-0 in the UFC with two fight of the night bonuses, which came in bouts against Anthony Njokuani and Ross Pearson. His victory over Pearson came at UFC 134 in Brazil.
Etim is 15-3 in his career with six UFC victories. All but one of his wins has come by submission or knockout. Four of them have earned him fight bonuses.
Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson
Johnson has been open about using his wrestling to defeat Belfort, but that may have changed now that the former welterweight contender has missed weight. UFC President Dana White has said his career is on the line, win or lose, and it makes it a very tough position for Johnson to be in going into the fight.
Both have highlight-reel knockouts, and while this has the makings of ending in a knockout, it can also be a three-round battle that sees both on the receiving end of some big strikes.
Chad Mendes vs. Jose Aldo
Mendes is going to want to out-wrestle Aldo, but he will have no choice but to fight if he can’t secure the takedown, and he might not find much success until later in the fight when cardio becomes a factor.
With five rounds lined up for the standout featherweight fighters, this has the potential to be fought everywhere, and both should find success at some point in the bout.
Mendes is undefeated and won’t go down easy so Aldo will have to harness his anticipation to perform well in front of the Brazilian fans and still come out with the win in the end.
Don’t blink during this one.
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