UFC 179 emanates Saturday, October 25, 2014, from the Ginasio do Maracanazinho in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Last Word on Sports’ MMA Department brings to you their fight picks and analysis for the upcoming event.
Jose “Scarface” Aldo (c) vs. Chad “Money” Mendes
James Carlucci, Trent Dozier: Mendes
Ed Carbajal, Todd Parkinson, Daniel Richeson: Aldo
“Jose Aldo is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, but it’s Chad Mendes’ time. Mendes’ striking has improved leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Duane “Bang” Ludwig, and although Aldo will still maintain an advantage standing, the gap has been closed since their first fight nearly three years ago. Mendes has a massive advantage in the wrestling and cardio departments, and he also has the nasty Team Alpha Male guillotine choke. Aldo has been an unstoppable champion, but his recent performances have left something to be desired. Injuries may be slowing the champ down a bit, plus he always has trouble making the featherweight limit, making him notorious for fading during the championship rounds. And that’s where Mendes will shine. I think Mendes will win by decision, but a fourth or fifth round knockout or submission wouldn’t surprise me.” – Dozier
Glover Teixeira vs. “Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis
Carlucci, Richeson: Davis
Carbajal, Dozier, Parkinson: Teixeira
“I understand the reasoning behind Teixeira being the favorite here, but was surprised how strong the betting public is in his favor. I’ve still yet to be impressed by a win from the Brazilian. He has shown remarkable toughness but not much else at the highest level. Davis has certainly had his fair share of setbacks, but I believe he will finally be able to utilize his superior wrestling against Teixeira and get back on the right track.” – Carlucci
Fabio “Caipira de Aco” Maldonado vs. Hans Stringer
Carlucci, Dozier, Richeson: Maldonado
Carbajal, Parkinson: Stringer
“The guy is just one of those fighters you have to root for. He sticks in it until the end and boxes like a champ. He has eaten some sick punches and made it through, plus he outmatches Stringer fairly easily.” – Richeson
Darren Elkins vs. Lucas “Mineiro” Martins
Carlucci, Dozier, Parkinson, Richeson: Elkins
Carbajal: Martins
“This will be a high-paced fight that will be rather one-sided. Elkins will mix it up on the feet for a while and will take Martins down at will to secure a unanimous decision victory with ease.” – Parkinson
Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Beneil Dariush
Carlucci, Dozier, Parkinson, Richeson: Ferreira
Carbajal: Dariush
“This one is hard to call because both fighters have a decent ground game and are young competitors with decent records. Ferreira is undefeated and it may be because he’s a little more wel;-rounded than Dariush. If he can keep the fight standing he can pull off a decision but I don’t see Dariush allowing that. I’m going with Dariush by decision.” – Carbajal
Undercard Radar:
Felipe “Sertanejo” Arantes vs. Andre “Touchy” Fili
“The undercard has some really great fights, especially William Macario vs. Neil Magny and Scott Jorgensen vs. Wilson Reis, but the one that jumps out at me the most is Arantes vs. Fili. Even though his UFC record is only 3-2-1, Arantes puts on great performances every time out. His striking is fun, and his jiu-jitsu is excellent. As for Fili, his striking is varied and high volume, and he’ll be looking to start the night off right for Team Alpha Male with a win. This one should be awesome.” – Dozier
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