The UFC will return to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on January 14th after a very successful UFC 134 event last year. This will be the first PPV after the Fox deal kicks in, and will see all six preliminary fights airing on FX. The main event will see Brazilian Jose Aldo defend his UFC featherweight title against top contender Chad Mendes. The co-main will feature arguably the most popular fighter in Brazil, Vitor Belfort, taking on Anthony "Rumble" Johnson in his middleweight debut. The main card is rounded out with three excellent matchups, and it should be an excellent event despite some recent last-minute changes. Check out the current card below (preliminary card after the jump):
Jan 14th, live on pay-per-view from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
Main Card:
Jose Aldo (20-1) vs. Chad Mendes (11-0) [FW Title]
Vitor Belfort (20-9) vs. Anthony Johnson (10-3)
Mike Massenzio (13-5) vs. Rousimar Palhares (13-3)
Carlo Prater (29-10-1) vs. Erick Silva (13-1, 1 NC)
Edson Barboza (9-0) vs. Terry Etim (15-3)
Preliminary Card:
Fabio Maldonado (18-4) vs. Caio Magalhaes (5-0)
Felipe Arantes (13-4) vs. Antonio Carvalho (13-4)
Sam Stout (17-6-1) vs. Thiago Tavares (16-4-1)
Mike Pyle (21-8-1) vs. Ricardo Funch (8-2)
Gabriel Gonzaga (12-6) vs. Ednaldo Oliveira (13-0-1, 1 NC)
Yuri Alcantara (26-3) vs. Michihiro Omigawa (13-10-1)
0 recs | 89 comments
Rumble is going to beat the brakes off Vitor. He is going to feel beastly not having to cut that extra 15lbs to make WW or that extra 8lbs to make RW
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
Can't fade Rumble?
MicahtheCynic - January 2, 2012
but
I thought Vitor was back?
Our Bovine Public - January 2, 2012
He is back. That is why he has to lose this one, so he can win the next one and be back again.
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
for reals though I think Rumbles best shot is to use his wrestling and wear him out for a round
Our Bovine Public - January 2, 2012
absolutely
If he can get on top and just make Vitor work off his back for a round or even half a round it will give him the finish in the 2nd
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
Vitor's wrestling isn't terrible
But he cuts so much weight to make 185 that it shouldn’t take much to gas him out. Even defending takedowns would do the job.
Patrick Wyman - January 2, 2012
Since he will fight Wand next, that should work
KGNLuc - January 2, 2012
which means that we’ll finally see Rumble in the weigh-ins wearing his skull inside his head.
edtSD - January 2, 2012
rumble is at +115 right now.
easy money.
sklart - January 2, 2012
Etim vs Barboza has fotn written all over it. Englishman is taking this one lads.
Ezmoshe - January 2, 2012
I thought etim pulled out due to injury.
Glad i was wrong
Snatchl - January 2, 2012
seriously ill fight right here. These guys have rickdiculous potential. I think Etim will show that a championship fight is in his future next yearish
Hardy's in your face - January 2, 2012
Why, oh why
will I be picking Omigawa!? Don’t I know JMMA is dead!?
GreyedOut - January 2, 2012
Omigawa vs Alcantara is such an amazing fight.
Might be my favorite fight on the card right now.
pdl - January 2, 2012
This card...
This card makes me wish I had saved my $55 bucks on the Lesnar fight. My budget can’t handle this too. Damn it damn it! CURSE YOU HYPE MACHINE! WAAAAAAAAAAAR ALDO! Have A Nice Day!
Mr. Socko - January 2, 2012
UBER-RUMBLE
P86 - January 2, 2012
holy shit
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
Rec for...
Making me laugh out loud on a cold shitty Chicago night!
Mr. Socko - January 2, 2012
Can you imagine my shame....
at actually knowing this came from America’s Next Top Model and that I was watching it when it happened.
DerSpiegel - January 3, 2012
So what’s Vitor going to have to do to get people to take him seriously again? I think he runs through Rumble and everyone else at middleweight not named Anderson Silva
savik - January 2, 2012
Beating a top 15 fighter at 185 would be a good start for Vitor.
He’s only done it once and that’s three weeks shy of being a full three years past.
pdl - January 2, 2012
Less Jesus talk.
UncleMax - January 3, 2012
MANBEARPIG IS BACK!
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
HOW HAVE I NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE
Simply amazing.
Patrick Wyman - January 2, 2012
This is my favorite MMA gif of all time
crazedfan - January 3, 2012
It’s even better with sound
MMAussie - January 3, 2012
Thiago Tavares looks like
Cunny - January 2, 2012
Shit, Thiago Alves is running the gauntlet.
T.C. Engel - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Am I the only one who thinks Mendes is being looked past? There seems to be more discussion about Aldo/Jung, or Aldo/Poirier than his bout with Mendes.
Baby Wads - January 2, 2012
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mendes win, since I never count out wrestling, combined with the last round of Aldo vs Hominik. I think Aldo wins, but for people to give Mendes no chance at winning is just silly.
Tim Bernier - January 2, 2012
yeah Mednes has a legit chance
Especially considering Aldo’s problems cutting weight recently and Mendes’ wrestling
Our Bovine Public - January 2, 2012
I feel like nobody really knows Mendes’ game very well and his recent streak of decisions has the general public looking past him. He’s a 2-1 underdog right now, which sounds about right to me, but he certainly has a shot.
Patrick Wyman - January 2, 2012
it is really going to hinge on his ability to take a few strikes on his way in to get the TD
it is similar to Chael v. Anderson in that respect
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
I wonder if Mendes will be able to get the takedown at all, even if he does get inside. I think he’ll have to survive the first 2 rounds before he gets it to the mat.
POW - January 2, 2012
I can see Aldo using the Thai clinch to defend takedowns and land some offense if Mendes gets inside.
Patrick Wyman - January 2, 2012
I’m interested to see if he can hang on and get the takedown, but I’m equally interested in how Aldo deals with a stifling, top-control fighter like Mendes. His bottom game is still mostly unknown aside from the Hominick fight, which I’m skeptical about because of his condition.
Baby Wads - January 2, 2012
It’s a cliche, but Aldo really does have world class BJJ. That said, finishes from the back are pretty rare these days, particularly at the championship level. If he wants to win, he has to either stay on his feet, get back to his feet, or somehow get on top.
POW - January 2, 2012
Luckily for him, he’s one of the best in MMA history at doing those things.
TheFilt - January 2, 2012
True
Have we ever seen anybody tag Mendes? I honestly have no idea what his chin is like.
Patrick Wyman - January 2, 2012
If its anything like Faber’s, it looks like a butt.
mburtoni - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Nobody has outwrestled Aldo
or even come close to it. That includes fights Faber, Mike Brown(at his best) and Kenny Florian.
He’s been taken down twice in the WEC/UFC and bounced back up instantly both times.
Chad didn’t even look overly impressive against Omigawa. IMO its extremely unlikely that he will be able to control Aldo at all if he is even able to get him down.
TheFilt - January 2, 2012
Could someone explain to me the betting for MMA? I see all this + and – stuff and I can’t make heads or tails of it. I’m ready to take my noob comments like a man.
Mr. Socko - January 2, 2012
NOOB
But on a serious note, + means underdog, – means favorite. Then it is based on betting 100 dollars. If you put 100 on a +200means underdog, you get 200. The for a -200third favorite, you must put down 200 to get 100
halitosis - January 2, 2012 via mobile
get rid of the "means" after +200
My phone adds words after numbers for some reason. I didn’t catch that one
halitosis - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Thankee Sai (The Dark Tower Reference)
I’ve been seeing these lines for about a year and scratching my head. I’ve only bet football and basketball in my life. Sounds like betting MMA is a much tougher game. If my picks from UFC 141 are any indicator, I best stick to those sports. The only fight I picked right was the Diaz fight. Curse you Nam Phan! I tried to make a bet with my homeboy Double A which was a simple gentlemans bet: If Lesnar had won, he would have had to listen to ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols" every day for a month. If ‘Reem had won, I would have had to listen to Katy Perry’s album every day for a month. In hindsight, I’m glad he didn’t take that bet! California Gurlz makes makes me itch. Have A Nice Day!
Mr. Socko - January 2, 2012
rec'd for Dark Tower
Chris Hall - January 2, 2012
Makes me stutter, as well. “…makes makes” indeed!
Mr. Socko - January 2, 2012
Aldo/Mendes reminds me of Alvarez/Chandler
blutspender - January 2, 2012
12 more days
rumble is going to knock off vitor. vitor is getting knocked out or getting beat on for three rounds on his back either way he’s getting ran through by rumble.it’s rumbles time vitor’s time is up..
psychoblack - January 2, 2012
BOOM BABY YES!!!
SSreporters - January 2, 2012
M.Sphinx - January 2, 2012
awesome
Our Bovine Public - January 2, 2012
Where's this from?
KGNLuc - January 2, 2012
X-Men First Class
NastyGuido - January 2, 2012
I think they are going to have a hard time braking 250k buys on this card.
memitim - January 2, 2012 via mobile
I don't even think it makes 200k
And I don’t think you mean “braking” ;)
SSreporters - January 2, 2012
pdl - January 2, 2012
the FUEL TV card is better than this one. Jose Aldo can’t sell
Randy Marsh - January 2, 2012
Lighter weight classes can't sell unless the fighters do it themselves
Scott Jorgensen vs. Renan Barao is currently on the UFC 143 prelims. That is a fu**ing travesty.
The UFC promotes their top fighters so poorly and then turn around and actually call Matt Brown vs. Chris Cope a “battle of top-class welterweights”.
SSreporters - January 2, 2012
If Jorgensen and Barao dont get to the ppv card I am going to diarrhea shit all over Dana White's front door
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
Amir Sadollah is fighting
So I should probably just pencil him in for the main card since he’s been on the prelims only one time. Then you have Nelson vs. Werdum, Koscheck vs. Pierce, Condit vs. Diaz, Poirier vs. TBA (Lamas pulled out), and then Sadollah vs. Lopez.
Jorgensen vs. Barao loses out I guess.
SSreporters - January 2, 2012
Sadollah needs to be on FX prelims.
Jorgensen v. Barao winner gets a title shot. Sadollah vs. Lopez winner gets Seth Baczynski. Seems pretty simple to me
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
Now that the prelims are on TV, I don’t think being off of the main card is so bad. If they pull big ratings, then it could be a better thing for the fighters involved. That said, that has #1 contender written all over it, and should be on the PPV.
Baby Wads - January 2, 2012
Wait wait wait...
You mean I won’t have to mess around with stupid facebook now? I hope so, because the only reason I created that account was to watch the fights. I get real fucking tired of seeing people I went to high school with. That was 19 years ago, I’m sure they are dying to connect. Please say it’s true! OAK RIDGE R-6 RULES! Oldest School West Of The Mississippi!
Mr. Socko - January 2, 2012
You could have watched the entire time through Ufc.tv
And yes, it’s true that the fights won’t be on Facebook any longer, but you’re going to need FuelTV
Chris Hall - January 3, 2012
Thank you so much! GOODBYE FACEBOOK!
Mr. Socko - January 3, 2012 via mobile
If I say braking I mean braking. I think you are right, breaking 200k is going to be tough, wait, I mean braking. Damn you, Nazi Reporter!
memitim - January 2, 2012 via mobile
I don't know about that....
…..but either way, I won’t be purchasing this one. This card does nothing for me.
Taiter - January 3, 2012
Mendes for the dec W
same for rumble
JonBon Joey - January 2, 2012
Jose Aldo is giong to kill Mendes
Florian’s wrestling isn’t on Mendes’ level but Aldo handled it just fine and has very good BJJ. He insta-mounted Florian twice.
SSreporters - January 2, 2012
People will hype up Mendes' wrestling as the answer to Aldo
And then Jose will spend the whole fight lighting him up on the feet.
And what’s the over/under on how many punches Rumble takes to the back of the head? I’m thinking at least 2 clean shots and probably two more suspect ones.
simpsycho - January 2, 2012
We cannot have a simpsycho and psychoblack in the same comments section!
SSreporters - January 2, 2012
It's okay, we're not rooting for the same fighters
My psychosis balances out his. I firmly believe that Anthony Johnson can be faded and the path to fading him is through the back of his head.
simpsycho - January 2, 2012
Perfect
Earl Montclair - January 2, 2012
slap yo self
halitosis - January 2, 2012 via mobile
This is exactly what’s gonna happen.
TheFilt - January 2, 2012
BRO BUT ALDOS RESTULING IS NOT VERY TESTED
halitosis - January 2, 2012 via mobile
I almost forgot!
Gonzaga’s getting smashed
halitosis - January 2, 2012 via mobile
props to rumble for taking this fight as his 1st at MW. i honestly dont see how how wins this but i do know one man is getting ktfo’d.
I’m tempted to pick mendez tbh. i can see him stealing 3 rounds with agression and a few td’s.
Hardy's in your face - January 2, 2012
*how he wins
Hardy's in your face - January 2, 2012
Why?
Aldo has dominated other great wrestlers with ease. Why is Mendes different? Worse standup than the other wrestlers?
halitosis - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Mendes is the best wrestler Aldo is going to face besides Faber.
Mike Brown and Manny Gamburyan are ok wrestlers but nothing special. I think Aldo will win but Mendes has a better shot than anyone Aldo has faced. He is young, fast, strong and he has beaten a lot of good guys.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE - January 3, 2012
according to wiki chad placed 2nd in the NCAA cahmpioships in his senior year at 141 lbs so i’m not convinced Aldo has dealt with this type of wrestler. Mendes has a great motor and has the potential to put on aldo on his back for atleast short periods of time. it could easily be enough to steal 3 rounds. Aldo knows he wont be able to use his kicks as frequently as he would like so his offensive production might be low. This should be a clinch heavey fight with a lot of time on the cage so i dont think we should expect a showcase for aldo by any stretch.
Hardy's in your face - January 2, 2012
reply fail
Hardy's in your face - January 2, 2012
Only checked out this thread to see if psychoblack commented about AJ, satisfied
Robert V-U - January 3, 2012
Peep
I went to college with mendes… The little MF’er is an excellent wrestler, aldo has not faced anyone of that wrestling caliber. That being said… Im betting on Aldo lighting him up like a xmas tree and finally showing the ’ late to the party’ fans what hes really capable of. Aldo is a beast i mean…. look at that buck 50 on his face
EvilLyoto - January 3, 2012
PAUL HARRIS!!
Llewdor - January 3, 2012
So has Palhares gotten that help yet?
I knew he was looking for a sports psych or something? I hope he didn’t find one. For entertainment sakes.
cager - January 3, 2012
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