UFC 179 Aldo vs Mendes II takes place this Saturday from Ginasio do Maracanazinho in Rio De Janerio, Brazil. The main event for the featherweight title is a rematch of the UFC 142 main event which saw Jose Aldo TKO Chad Mendes with a brutal knee in the 1st round of an event which also took place in Rio De Janerio, Brazil.
Other bouts on the evening include a light heavyweight showdown in the co-main event slot between Glover Teixeria and Phil Davis whilst Fabio Maldonado squares off against Hans Stringer.
Jose Aldo (c) (24-1) vs Chad Mendes (16-1)
Back at UFC 142, some believed Chad Mendes had one attribute which could be used to dethrone Aldo and win the featherweight belt, his wrestling. Aldo would successfully thwart a takedown attempt and counter another into a brutal knee which ended the challenge of Mendes deep in the first round of the contest. Fast forward to Saturday’s main event and Mendes has re built himself by KO’ing fighters such as Clay Guida and Darren Elkins to earn himself another shot at Aldo’s belt. The champion Aldo has had two lackluster decisions and a TKO to an injured Korean Zombie since defeating Mendes. You could attribute Aldo’s lackluster performances to his awful weight cut before each fight which really symbols that he should move up and fight at 155. Mendes now has refine KO power thanks to Duane Ludwig but really his wrestling is still his biggest asset coming into this clash. If he lasts past round three it would give him a better chance of winning as Aldo notoriously slows down in the later rounds which opponents can never seem to capitalize on. One thing’s for sure, come Saturday night it will be once again the battle of wrestler vs striker. The big questions are has Chad Mendes improved enough since last time and has Aldo still got it at 145?
Phil Davis (12-2) vs Glover Teixeira (22-3)
This light heavyweight showdown pits two fighters that essentially fall at the final hurdle. Davis has by far the best wrestling in the division but never seems to have a plan B if the Rumble Johnson and Rashad Evans fights are anything to go by. Glover has indeed finished many on his UFC stint but also leaves himself open to being caught. His title match against Jon Jones had lots of promise going in but ultimately, he disappointed and in turn was dominated by the champion. One would suggest that if Davis can get this fight to the ground it’s his fight to lose even with Glover sub expertise Davis also has submissions in his arsenal. If Glover can defend the takedowns then Davis could be in for a rough night.
Fabio Maldonado (21-7) vs Hans Stringer (22-5-3)
Before his late step in against Stipe Miocic, Maldonado was on a 3 fight winning streak (all coming via decision) in the light heavyweight division. Opponent Hans Stringer is currently 1-0 in the UFC as he picked up the split decision victory against Francimar Barroso this past March. Fabio Maldonado is well known for being able to absorb punishment in large quantities and the former pro boxer will be looking to finish Stringer in this one for sure. With both fighters being durable this one could go either way however and possibly the full 3 rounds.
Lucas Martins (15-1) vs Darren Elkins (17-4)
Since his TKO (retirement) loss to Edson Barboza back in 2013, featherweight sensation Lucas Martins has been on a tear. He is currently on a 3 fight winning streak with all coming by finish. Elkins has had different fortunes, losing to Jeremy Stephens and Chad Mendes in two of his last three bouts. Martins, is highly regarded in the featherweight ranks and he should continue his run Saturday night against Elkins.
Carlos Diego Ferreira (11-0) vs Beneil Dariush (8-1)
This lightweight bout was originally meant to be Alan Patrick vs Beneil Dariush before Patrick pulled out with a horrific broken jaw suffered in training so the undefeated Ferreira stepped in. Ferreira and Dariush are both known for their submission expertise so don’t be surprised if this one goes to the ground come fight night. Interestingly enough coming into this scrap they have both faced the same opponent before in the UFC, Ramsey Nijem. Ferreira defeated Nijem where as Dariush lost to him. The winner of this bout arguably goes onto bigger things judging by the calibre of fighters they have already faced.
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