The UFC will once again invade Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday as Jose Aldo and Chan-Sung Jung headline UFC 163.
The card also features a premier light heavyweight encounter as former champion Lyoto Machida takes on Phil Davis in an intriguing co-main event.
The rest of the card features some of Brazil’s top up-and-coming talent in the organization on a card that should at least provide some memorable finishes. Here’s a look at the entire card with a prediction for each fight and a deeper dive for a some of the more intriguing matchups.
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Anthony Perosh
Vinny Magalhaes enters his fight against Anthony Perosh on the heels of a disappointing loss to Phil Davis that snapped a six-fight winning streak for the Brazilian.
You can expect him to rectify that disappointment by dominating Perosh.
The 41-year-old Perosh is just 13-7 in his career and, like Magalhaes, depends on an extensive jiu-jitsu background to gain the upper hand on his opponents. The problem with that is that Magalhaes‘ grappling skills are just as strong.
Eight of his 10 career victories have come by way of submission.
With both fighters adept at grappling and neither possessing great stand-up skills, the deciding factor could be cardio. Perosh is a former heavyweight who has only gone the distance twice in his career.
Magalhaes has finished his opponent in the third round in two of his last three wins.
Ian McCall vs. Iliarde Santos
Ian McCall’s fall down the ladder at flyweight is a disappointing development for the 29-year-old. Just over a year ago, he battled current champion Demetrious Johnson to a majority draw.
Now he’s relegated to fighting an opponent in Iliarde Santos, who is just 0-1 in the UFC.
Santos was knocked out by Iuri Alcantara just two minutes and 31 seconds into the first round in his promotional debut.
There’s no doubt that “Uncle Creepy” is taking a huge step down in competition, and it should be expected that he’ll show he’s still a top contender. Becoming the first man to submit Santos would be a nice touch.
Sheila Gaff vs. Amanda Nunes
In Women’s MMA action, Amanda Nunes will take on Sheila Gaff. These two fringe contenders will be trying to make a statement in a division that is still developing, so there’s a lot on the line.
Both Gaff and Nunes are coming off losses heading into this bout. Nunes was submitted by Sarah D’Alelio in her final bout with Invicta before heading to the UFC, while Gaff suffered a first-round TKO at the hands of Sara McMann in her UFC debut.
There’s going to be fireworks, as both of these fighters love to go for the finish. Thirteen of Gaff’s 16 bouts have ended in the first round, while six of Nunes‘ 10 bouts have ended in the opening frame.
This one should last longer than that as both are skilled fighters, but it’s highly unlikely it goes to the cards, and Nunes has a slightly better track record, with knockout wins over Julia Budd, Ediane Gomes and Vanessa Porto.
Anything could happen, but Nunes has the slight edge.
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