WRITTEN BY MMA GENIUS
UFC 179 takes over Rio de Janeiro's Ginásio do Maracanãzinho this Saturday night, and it boasts a main card of the Brazilians and their counterpart underdogs. We look ahead to fight night with breakdowns of the fight, distinguishing advantages, predictions and more.
In the main event, Featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo puts his belt on the line against Chad Mendes, in a hotly anticipated rematch. Glover Teixeira vs. Phil Davis, a pivotal tilt at 185 also features in the night's action.
Carlos Diego Ferreira vs Beneil Dariush
Standup Advantage: I think the standup is about even in this fight. Both fighters are still green in their striking games. Although Ferreira scored a KO in his last fight, he is still learning to strike, and is not fully comfortable. Dariush throws cleaner strikes, but has a tendency to keep his hands down a lot, which may hurt him in this fight like it did for him in the Ramsey Nijem fight.
Grappling Advantage: Ferreira has the grappling advantage in this fight with his 2nd degree black belt. Dariush is also a black belt in bjj and no slouch on the ground, but Ferreira has showed better transitions and a better overall ground game in the UFC.
Breakdown: I think Dariush has a good chance to win this fight, even though there are a lot of fans on the Ferreira hype train. I assume Dariush's gameplan is to strike with Ferreira in this fight. Ferreira is gaining more confidence in his striking, but Im sure he will look to take this fight to the ground at some point in the fight. It will be interesting to see if Dariush will initiate any grappling situations considering he has a black belt as well.
Prediction: I'm going to slightly lead towards Ferreira in this fight. Dariush has a bad habit of keeping his hands down, and I could see Ferreira catching him on the feet and finishing him on the ground. I wouldn't be surprised if this fight went the distance either. Dariush should be able to hold his own and avoid subs if it hits the ground. All in all, I'm going to pick Ferreira by unanimous decision.
Darren "The Damage" Elkins vs Lucas "Minero" Martins
Standup Advantage: Martins definitely has the advantage on the feet in this fight. His punches and kicks are clean and crisp, but he does have a tendency to get wild. Elkins' has basic striking, but it is mainly used to set up his takedowns. Martins has 10 KO's out of his 15 wins and is a fairly vicious striker. Elkins only has one KO win in the UFC.
Grappling Advantage: Elkins definitely takes the edge in the grappling department. Elkins has beaten great grapplers like Hatsu Hioki and Diego Brandao. Elkins is a tough hard-nosed wrestler that wont stop attempting for a takedown.
Breakdown: This is the typical striker vs grappler matchup. Martins definitely wants to keep this on the feet, and Elkins wants to get this kid to the ground as soon as possible. It will be interesting to see how good Martins is off his back and how good his get up from the bottom game is. Martins can not be overly aggressive or he will run into a takedown. In a way, I see this fight a lot similar to the Diego Brandao fight for Elkins. Martins is going to come out guns blazing in that first round, and Elkins will need to be careful.
Prediction: Elkins is the slight favorite in this fight, but I think a lot of fans are starting to lean towards Martins due to his vicious striking and because the fight is in Brazil. Personally, I think Elkins is going to take this fight. I think Martins will have a good first round and he may even hurt Elkins, but Elkins will weather the storm and take Martins down when he starts to slow down. I predict a close 29-28 unanimous decision for Elkins.
Fabio Maldanado vs. Hans Stringer
Standup Advantage: Fabio definitely has the striking advantage in this one. He possesses some of the best boxing skills in the 205 division. He has a tendency to get caught some times due to his aggressiveness. Hans Stringer showed decent in his lone fight in the UFC, but shows nothing too special.
Grappling Advantage: I'm going to give the advantage to Hans in the grappling. Hans also has very good clinch work against the cage and some pretty good takedowns. His bjj is very good for a guy from the Netherlands, and he has a good camp in the Blackzillians behind him. Fabio's takedown defense isn't very good either.
Breakdown: Fabio wants to keep this fight on the feet, and Hans wants this fight in the clinch or on the ground. Another typical, striker vs grappler match up. Although Hans didn't show good striking in his first fight in Brazil, i think he will be able to compete on the feet and hold is own. Hans was a little gassed in his debut in Brazil, but he should know what to expect this 2nd time as the UFC jitters should not be a factor.
Prediction: Fabio is the slight favorite in this fight at -122, but I am going to take Hans Stringer in an upset. I see Hans pressuring Fabio on the fence alot, and getting some takedowns. Fabio is particularly good off his back, but he does have the skills to get back up. Fabio is super tough and durable, and has one of the best chins in the sport. Hans is very durable as well, but I think Hans will win a lackluster unanimous decision.
Glover Teixeira vs. Phil Davis
Standup Advantage: Glover has the standup advantage in this one. Glover has brutal, vicious knockout power, and throws clean and really crisp strikes. Phil's striking is getting bedder, but it is still rudimentary. He was exposed against good strikers like Rashad Evans and Anthony Johnson.
Grappling Advantage: Although Phil is a great wrestler with good submissions and top control, I think the grappling is about even in this fight. Glover has a 2nd degree blackbelt in bjj and has submission wins over Kyle Kingsbury and James Te Huna in the UFC. Glover even has a win over Dean Lister in a grappling competition.
Breakdown: The breakdown is really intriguing here. We all know Phil trains at one of the best gyms in the world in Alliance MMA, but Glover chose to do his camp at ATT Connecticut. Im not sure if Glover bought any guys in his camp to prepare for Phil's wrestling game, but we shall find out. This is a big fight for both guys, they need a win to stay in the title hunt at 205. Against Anthony Johnson, Phil's takedown entries were really slow and televised. I think his takedowns are better from the clinch. If he can't take Glover down, I think it could be a long night for Phil. Glover's plan is to strike, stop the takedown and light Phil up on the feet.
Prediction: I'm going to take Glover in this fight. I just think Phil is too one-dimensional. If Phil can't get the takedown, he still seems really out of place on the feet. Unless Phil's striking has drastically improved from his last fight, I can see Glover winning this fight with a finish. My only reservation for Glover is his training partners for this fight, and did he have enough people to push him during his camp. All in all, I am going to pick Glover with a 3rd round TKO. Phil's best bet is too hope Glover gets tired and he can out position him and edge out a decision.
Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes II: UFC Featherweight Championship
Standup Advantage: The big debate is does Chad Mendes have the power to KO Aldo? Yes he has the power to do so, but lets take something into play here. Since loosing to Aldo, Chad has 4 KO's in his 5 fight winning streak. In those finishes Chad faced no strikers or any guys that possess the power to finish him. Mckenzie, Meza, Elkins, Guida, and Lentz are all primarily grapplers that are nowhere near Aldo's level of striking. Mendes could afford to be agressive in those fight, because none of those guys could out grapple him. Mendes has power, but a few aldo leg kicks can take that all away. I give the advantage to Aldo on the feet purely based on those vicious leg kicks and clean punches. If you look at Mendes' UFC opponents hes faced all grapplers besides Aldo.
Grappling Advantage: Jose Aldo's takedown defense is remarkable. He has stuffed 92% percent of the takedowns attempted against him. Mendes is an excellent grappler and has lightning quick transitions on the mat. Mendes' takedown entries are super quick as well, but are those attempts gonna be good after he eats a few leg kicks? Mendes is an All-American wrestler, and Jose Aldo has a blackbelt in bjj. Im going to say this grappling is even, just due to Mendes great wrestling, and Aldo's takedown defense, and get up from the bottom game.
Breakdown: Personally, I can't wait for this fight. Mendes has been running his mouth alot ever since his teammate TJ Dillashaw beat Renan Barao. In my opinion, that was a bad idea on Chad's part. I feel like Jose Aldo really has not been motivated to fight any oh his recent opponents because he knew he could beat them easily. I think Mendes should have kept quiet, and let Aldo underestimate him. Aldo has never seemed this motivated in awhile. I love this Team Alpha Male and Nova Uniao beef, it is great for the lighter weight divisions. I think Mendes needs to shoot for takedowns right away, the longer this fight stays on the feet, its going to be an Aldo leg kick clinic. Unfortunately for Mendes, he has Aldo super focused for this fight.
Prediction: I am going to take Aldo by unanimous decision in this fight. I know Mendes has power, but I think it will fade away in the later rounds due to Aldo's leg kicks. Win or lose I think mendes should fight connor mcgregor next, but I just think Mendes' lack of competition against good strikers in the UFC are going to come back to haunt him in this fight. His best shot to win is too catch Aldo early with a right hand in the 1st round before Aldo gets his rhythm. With a win, Aldo should be in consideration for the P4P best in the world.
*****
So, all set for fight night!
It's going to be a terrific night as the UFC braces Brazilian soil once again. Rest assured that the fans will be out and creating an amazing atmosphere.
Roll on UFC 179...
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In the main event, Featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo puts his belt on the line against Chad Mendes, in a hotly anticipated rematch. Glover Teixeira vs. Phil Davis, a pivotal tilt at 185 also features in the night's action.
Carlos Diego Ferreira vs Beneil Dariush
Standup Advantage: I think the standup is about even in this fight. Both fighters are still green in their striking games. Although Ferreira scored a KO in his last fight, he is still learning to strike, and is not fully comfortable. Dariush throws cleaner strikes, but has a tendency to keep his hands down a lot, which may hurt him in this fight like it did for him in the Ramsey Nijem fight.
Grappling Advantage: Ferreira has the grappling advantage in this fight with his 2nd degree black belt. Dariush is also a black belt in bjj and no slouch on the ground, but Ferreira has showed better transitions and a better overall ground game in the UFC.
Breakdown: I think Dariush has a good chance to win this fight, even though there are a lot of fans on the Ferreira hype train. I assume Dariush's gameplan is to strike with Ferreira in this fight. Ferreira is gaining more confidence in his striking, but Im sure he will look to take this fight to the ground at some point in the fight. It will be interesting to see if Dariush will initiate any grappling situations considering he has a black belt as well.
Prediction: I'm going to slightly lead towards Ferreira in this fight. Dariush has a bad habit of keeping his hands down, and I could see Ferreira catching him on the feet and finishing him on the ground. I wouldn't be surprised if this fight went the distance either. Dariush should be able to hold his own and avoid subs if it hits the ground. All in all, I'm going to pick Ferreira by unanimous decision.
Darren "The Damage" Elkins vs Lucas "Minero" Martins
Standup Advantage: Martins definitely has the advantage on the feet in this fight. His punches and kicks are clean and crisp, but he does have a tendency to get wild. Elkins' has basic striking, but it is mainly used to set up his takedowns. Martins has 10 KO's out of his 15 wins and is a fairly vicious striker. Elkins only has one KO win in the UFC.
Grappling Advantage: Elkins definitely takes the edge in the grappling department. Elkins has beaten great grapplers like Hatsu Hioki and Diego Brandao. Elkins is a tough hard-nosed wrestler that wont stop attempting for a takedown.
Breakdown: This is the typical striker vs grappler matchup. Martins definitely wants to keep this on the feet, and Elkins wants to get this kid to the ground as soon as possible. It will be interesting to see how good Martins is off his back and how good his get up from the bottom game is. Martins can not be overly aggressive or he will run into a takedown. In a way, I see this fight a lot similar to the Diego Brandao fight for Elkins. Martins is going to come out guns blazing in that first round, and Elkins will need to be careful.
Prediction: Elkins is the slight favorite in this fight, but I think a lot of fans are starting to lean towards Martins due to his vicious striking and because the fight is in Brazil. Personally, I think Elkins is going to take this fight. I think Martins will have a good first round and he may even hurt Elkins, but Elkins will weather the storm and take Martins down when he starts to slow down. I predict a close 29-28 unanimous decision for Elkins.
Fabio Maldanado vs. Hans Stringer
Standup Advantage: Fabio definitely has the striking advantage in this one. He possesses some of the best boxing skills in the 205 division. He has a tendency to get caught some times due to his aggressiveness. Hans Stringer showed decent in his lone fight in the UFC, but shows nothing too special.
Grappling Advantage: I'm going to give the advantage to Hans in the grappling. Hans also has very good clinch work against the cage and some pretty good takedowns. His bjj is very good for a guy from the Netherlands, and he has a good camp in the Blackzillians behind him. Fabio's takedown defense isn't very good either.
Breakdown: Fabio wants to keep this fight on the feet, and Hans wants this fight in the clinch or on the ground. Another typical, striker vs grappler match up. Although Hans didn't show good striking in his first fight in Brazil, i think he will be able to compete on the feet and hold is own. Hans was a little gassed in his debut in Brazil, but he should know what to expect this 2nd time as the UFC jitters should not be a factor.
Prediction: Fabio is the slight favorite in this fight at -122, but I am going to take Hans Stringer in an upset. I see Hans pressuring Fabio on the fence alot, and getting some takedowns. Fabio is particularly good off his back, but he does have the skills to get back up. Fabio is super tough and durable, and has one of the best chins in the sport. Hans is very durable as well, but I think Hans will win a lackluster unanimous decision.
Glover Teixeira vs. Phil Davis
Standup Advantage: Glover has the standup advantage in this one. Glover has brutal, vicious knockout power, and throws clean and really crisp strikes. Phil's striking is getting bedder, but it is still rudimentary. He was exposed against good strikers like Rashad Evans and Anthony Johnson.
Grappling Advantage: Although Phil is a great wrestler with good submissions and top control, I think the grappling is about even in this fight. Glover has a 2nd degree blackbelt in bjj and has submission wins over Kyle Kingsbury and James Te Huna in the UFC. Glover even has a win over Dean Lister in a grappling competition.
Breakdown: The breakdown is really intriguing here. We all know Phil trains at one of the best gyms in the world in Alliance MMA, but Glover chose to do his camp at ATT Connecticut. Im not sure if Glover bought any guys in his camp to prepare for Phil's wrestling game, but we shall find out. This is a big fight for both guys, they need a win to stay in the title hunt at 205. Against Anthony Johnson, Phil's takedown entries were really slow and televised. I think his takedowns are better from the clinch. If he can't take Glover down, I think it could be a long night for Phil. Glover's plan is to strike, stop the takedown and light Phil up on the feet.
Prediction: I'm going to take Glover in this fight. I just think Phil is too one-dimensional. If Phil can't get the takedown, he still seems really out of place on the feet. Unless Phil's striking has drastically improved from his last fight, I can see Glover winning this fight with a finish. My only reservation for Glover is his training partners for this fight, and did he have enough people to push him during his camp. All in all, I am going to pick Glover with a 3rd round TKO. Phil's best bet is too hope Glover gets tired and he can out position him and edge out a decision.
Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes II: UFC Featherweight Championship
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| They go at it again. Image: ESPN |
Grappling Advantage: Jose Aldo's takedown defense is remarkable. He has stuffed 92% percent of the takedowns attempted against him. Mendes is an excellent grappler and has lightning quick transitions on the mat. Mendes' takedown entries are super quick as well, but are those attempts gonna be good after he eats a few leg kicks? Mendes is an All-American wrestler, and Jose Aldo has a blackbelt in bjj. Im going to say this grappling is even, just due to Mendes great wrestling, and Aldo's takedown defense, and get up from the bottom game.
Breakdown: Personally, I can't wait for this fight. Mendes has been running his mouth alot ever since his teammate TJ Dillashaw beat Renan Barao. In my opinion, that was a bad idea on Chad's part. I feel like Jose Aldo really has not been motivated to fight any oh his recent opponents because he knew he could beat them easily. I think Mendes should have kept quiet, and let Aldo underestimate him. Aldo has never seemed this motivated in awhile. I love this Team Alpha Male and Nova Uniao beef, it is great for the lighter weight divisions. I think Mendes needs to shoot for takedowns right away, the longer this fight stays on the feet, its going to be an Aldo leg kick clinic. Unfortunately for Mendes, he has Aldo super focused for this fight.
Prediction: I am going to take Aldo by unanimous decision in this fight. I know Mendes has power, but I think it will fade away in the later rounds due to Aldo's leg kicks. Win or lose I think mendes should fight connor mcgregor next, but I just think Mendes' lack of competition against good strikers in the UFC are going to come back to haunt him in this fight. His best shot to win is too catch Aldo early with a right hand in the 1st round before Aldo gets his rhythm. With a win, Aldo should be in consideration for the P4P best in the world.
*****
So, all set for fight night!
It's going to be a terrific night as the UFC braces Brazilian soil once again. Rest assured that the fans will be out and creating an amazing atmosphere.
Roll on UFC 179...
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