UFC 142 Recap

Jose Aldo defeated Chad Mendes by TKO 4:59 1st Round
My Prediction: Aldo by TKO 3rd Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Mendes' wrestling proved to be a test for Aldo but one that the Featherweight champion passed with flying colours.  Mendes looked to have issues with Aldo's stiking early on as he had to defend Aldo's low kicks.  Mendes timed another low kick well to get inside for a takedown although Aldo defended well it allowed Mendes to get to the back and look for a slam.  In the process of the slam attempt Aldo grabbed the cage to stop the momentum and was warned for it.  Some argue it was the turning point of the fight as although Mendes still held Aldo's back he eat a few elbows which loosened his grip which Aldo took full advantage of by spinning around and landing an excellent knee and stuns Mendes and sends his crashing to the ground where Aldo follows up with a few right hands that forced the end of the fight.  Aldo, in excitement rushes out of the octagon into the crowd as he is mobbed by his fellow Brazilians in a great scene of celebration.

Vitor Belfort defeated Anthony Johnson by Submission 4:45 1st Round
My Prediction: Belfort by TKO 1st Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Johnson came out aggressive and early on seem to be in control by using front kicks and securing a takedown.  However unable to improve his position the fight was stood up (although many argue it was a quick decision by the referee).  A 2nd restart and again questionable happened when Johnson had Belfort up against the cage and from there the fight turned in Belfort's favour and Johnson noticeably started to tire.  After going in for a desperate takedown which Belfort stuffed and followed up with some punches but instead of looking for a KO Belfort somewhat surprisingly went for Johnson's back.  After some elbows to soften up Johnson Belfort was able to sneak his arm under Johnson's chin and get the rear naked choke submission with a gable grip and his first submission win since 2001.

Rousimar Palhares defeated Mike Massenzio by Submission 1:03 1st Round
My Prediction: Palhares by Submission 2nd Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: There were some questionable outcomes and decisions during UFC 142 but for once Palhares wasn't involved in any of them.  Palhares made quick work of Massenzio who was able to briefly defend a Palhares takedown but in the process Palhares was able lock in his trademark leglock that forced Massenzio to tap almost instantly.

Carlo Prater defeated Erick Silva by DQ :29 1st Round
My Prediction: Silva by TKO 1st Round
My Rating: N/A
What Happened: MMA is perhaps the toughest sport to referee because of being forced to make split second decisions with no instant replay to fall back on.  In a fight that saw Silva drop Prater with a knee to the body and follow up with a flurry of punches and hammerfists but as the official decision was set to be announced it was noticeable something was up.  It was claimed by referee Mario Yamasaki that Silva was warned for shots to the back of the end but in the replay the actual strikes that did land were minimal.

Edson Barboza defeated Terry Etim by TKO 2:02 3rd Round
My Prediction: Barboza by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$$$
What Happened: The first round saw Etim keep Barboza honest with takedown attempts and jabs but he was unable to keep the Brazilian on the mat and by the end of the round Barboza started to loosen up and open up his striking arsenal in the form of leg kicks.  In the 2nd Barboza continued to attack Etim's legs that made Etim pretty much a standing target which really opened up Barboza's options for a KO going into the 3rd Round.  That option ultimately ended up being an incredible spinning wheel kick by Barboza that landed flush on Etim and sent him to the mat in a KO that would be very surprising if it doesn't hold up as one of the best of the year.

Prelims
Thiago Tavares defeated Sam Stout by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
My Prediction: Stout by Decision
My Rating: $$1/2

Gabriel Gonzaga defeated Edinaldo Oliveira by Submission 3:22 1st Round
My Prediction: Oliveira TKO 1st Round
My Rating: $$1/2

Yuri Alcantara defeated Michihiro Omigawa by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
My Prediction: Alcantara by Decision
My Rating: $$

Mike Pyle defeated Ricardo Funch by TKO 1:22 1st Round
My Prediction: Pyle by Submission 2nd Round
My Rating: $$

Felipe Arantes defeated Antonio Carvalho by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
My Prediction: Carvalho by Decision
My Rating: $$1/2

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