UFC 179: Aldo vs. Mendes 2 is this Saturday night in Rio De Janeiro, and I’m still spending money from UFC 178. Not only was I able to pay the ransom on my dog, I was also able to pay off some debts which allowed me to keep my car. I purchased one of those ridiculous 12 piece bed sets with a big ass comforter and 10 pillows of all different shapes and sizes, not a single one is comfortable, and I bought a couple of pair of slacks from the men’s department at Target. All in all, I’d have to say I’m doing pretty damn good financially right now. I have even gone back to using two-ply toilet tissue and started buying mouthwash again. With all my bills paid for the month and fancy new bed to sleep in, I’ve got nothing to lose with these picks, which could or couldn’t be a good idea.
145lbs Title Fight – Jose Aldo (24-1) vs. #1 Chad Mendes (16-1):
It’s been just shy of 3 years since Jose Aldo knocked out Chad Mendes in Rio with a devastating knee at the end of the first round. Since then, Mendes has been on a mission to get another shot at the belt. Both fighters have had a lot of time off, Mendes hasn’t fought since December of 2013 and Aldo’s last fight was in February. There’s been a lot of smack talk leading up to this fight, and I don’t see this one ending in the first round. Mendes will get some takedowns and win a round or two, but Aldo will be too much. He wins this one by decision.
205lbs – #4 Glover Teixeira (22-3) vs. #6 Phil Davis (12-2):
This fight between two top ten fighters will be important in deciding who gets the next crack at the light-heavyweight belt, after Daniel Cormier. Teixeira is coming off of an injury he suffered in his loss to Jon Jones back in April, and Davis is coming off a lackluster performance in his loss to Anthony Johnson at UFC 172. Neither fighter is coming off of a highlight performance, and unless Glover can land one of his big punches, this fight will not be any better. Although Glover is a heavy favorite (-335), I see Davis (+255) taking him down and keeping him there. He will realize very early that he doesn’t want this fight to take place on the feet, and use his wrestling to take Glover down and keep him there. Davis wins this one by a decision.
205lbs – #15 Fabio Maldonado (21-7) vs. Hans Stringer (22-5-3):
This fight is a close one to call, neither fighter is heavily favored, and they both posses the same knockout power. Stringer is coming off a decision win over Francimar Barroso, and Maldonado is fighting his way back from a TKO loss to Stipe Miocic. There will be a lot of big shots thrown in this fight, but Maldonado will be the one to land the last one. Maldonado wins this fight by 2nd round TKO.
145lbs – #13 Darren Elkins (18-4) vs. Lucas Martins (15-1):
Although Elkins is coming off of a loss to Jeremy Stephens, this will be his 11th UFC fight; he has faced the tougher competition. He is the favorite coming into this fight, but Martins could give him some trouble. Martins is a very good striker, and his only loss was at the hands of Edson Barboza. If Martins can take Elkins into deep waters he will prevail. Martins wins this one by a 3rd round TKO.
155lbs – Carlos Diego Ferreira (10-0) vs. Beneil Dariush (8-1):
Dariush’s only loss came to Ramsey Nijem, who just so happened to get TKO’d by Ferreira a couple of months ago. Although their records are close and they both have submission on their records, I don’t see this fight being close at all. Ferreira will dominate the fight, and end it in the second round by showing dariush his BJJ skills are far superior. Ferreira wins by 2nd round submission.
There you go boys and girls! Good luck!
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