Sound Off on UFC 142 Picks: Will José Aldo and Vitor Belfort Win in Rio?

UFC 142 Picks: Will José Aldo and Vitor Belfort Win in Rio?

Brazilians who faced opponents from other countries won 7/8 fights at UFC 134: Silva vs Okami and 2/2 fights at UFC Brazil: Ultimate Brazil. Will the Brazilians reign supreme once again in UFC’s third venture into Brazil or will upsets rock the nation? Sound off on facebook.com/FightHubTV and let us know your UFC 142 picks.

UFC 142: Aldo vs Mendez takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this Saturday at 7pm ET from the HSBC Arena. Here are three of my favorite highlights of this card followed by my two quick UFC 142 picks:

  • A fight of opposing styles in former NCAA Division I wrestler Chad “Money” Mendes vs BJJ Black Belt José Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship
  • Fists of furry Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort vs one punch KO powerhouse Anthony “Rumble” Johnson
  • The return of former UFC title Heavyweight contender Gabriel “Napão” Gonzaga

José Aldo vs Chad Mendes

Mendes has stated that he is going to go into Aldo’s backyard and take the title from him and exact revenge for Urijah Faber. To ensure that doesn’t happen, Aldo has started training with #3 ranked lightweight Gray Maynard to prepare to defend against Chad’s wrestling takedowns. Mendes got annoyed when he heard that Ado was training with Maynard as he feels that his style of wrestling is different, quicker and more explosive compared Maynard’s. Chad doesn’t feel Aldo’s training will be enough to prepare against his superior wrestling, strength and power.

José Aldo already has great balance and 94% takedown defense. Even if he does get taken down, his BJJ skills can turn the tables on Mendes. I give the advantage to Aldo standing up and on the ground. José has already been tested against Kenny Florian and Urijah Faber and I just don’t see Chad being able to bring enough to the table in UFC Rio to steal the win. I am giving the win to Aldo via unanimous decision or stoppage. The MMA odds makers agree with me, check out the UFC betting odds below:

CHAD MENDES +195
JOSE ALDO -245

Vitor Belfort vs Anthony Johnson

This is the fight that will most likely steal the show and receive the Knockout of the Night Award. I would be surprised if this fight goes over 2 rounds as both fighters pack so much dynamite that the match can end at any time. Not to take anything away from Johnson, but over the last 10 years Vitor has only lost to top 10 ranked fighters. The only advantage I give Anthony is in the wrestling category, but Vitor “The Phenom” has a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so he will be able to defend intelligently on his back. Vitor also sports Black Belts in Karate Shotokan and Judo.

Can Anthony Johnson surprise us and snag a win over Belfort. Definitely, but after comparing their styles, skills and experience, I think you will agree that Belfort is the better bet to win. Surprisingly, the MMA odds makers give this match even odds:

ANTHONY JOHNSON -115
VITOR BELFORT -115

Vitor scored a first round 44 second TKO win over Wanderlei Silva last time he fought in Brazil. Will we see something similar this Saturday at UFC Rio?  Be sure to sound off on the FightHubTV Facebook page and give us your picks on Aldo vs Mendes, Belfort vs Johnson and the other matches on the card. Also, BetDSI Sportsbook is sponsoring a UFC 142 Free Handicapping Contest with a $2k prize pool over at UFCContest.com. Make picks, get cash and let us know how you did.