Another epic night for UFC in Rio

For the second time in less than six months the UFC was in the birthplace of mixed martial arts, Brazil. Just like the last time they were there, UFC 134, the event was taking place at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. And, also like that card, UFC 142 did not disappoint.

The main card had its very own share of knockouts, submissions and even a little bit of controversy. There were two KOs and two submissions on the five-fight main card as well as one fight that ended in a disqualification. The two headlining bouts promised to entertain on paper and were even better than imagined in the octagon.

Jose Aldo successfully defended his featherweight title
against Chad Mendes at UFC 142 in Rio de Janeiro.

UFC 142’s co-main event was a middleweight fight that turned into a catchweight bout when Anthony Johnson was unable to make the 185-pound weight limit. That did not stop Brazilian Vitor Belfort from showing the younger Johnson what it is like to face a living legend.

This fight started with Johnson showing his muscle and taking down Belfort and using his power advantage to inflict damage. Referee Dan Miragliotta stood both fighters up numerous times within the first few minutes. After Johnson became winded, Belfort took control and was able to take Johnson down. Working the back, Belfort flattened Johnson and sunk in a rear-naked choke. With 11 seconds remaining, Johnson tapped out. Belfort had the crowd behind him from the moment he walked out to the end of the fight and when Johnson tapped the HSBC crowd erupted in pleasure.

As good as that fight was the battle between Rio native UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo and Sacramento native Chad Mendes ended the night on a high-note for the pro-Brazilian crowd.

The featherweight title fight was a battle of two opposing styles. Mendes, a former NCAA wrestler, was dangerous on the ground. He had taken down each of his six opponents under the Zuffa umbrella. On the other hand, Aldo had the distinct honor of being the least taken down fighter in the UFC. Aldo’s takedown defense and the strength of his kicks made him one of the most feared fighters in the world.

At the on-set of this bout Mendes tried to trade kicks with Aldo, but after a few leg kicks from Aldo that stopped. Then it became a battle of strengths as Mendes looked for double-leg and single-leg takedowns, but each attempt was stuffed by the champ. For the last minute of the bout it looked like Mendes might gain the upper-hand heading into the second-round.

Mendes held the champ against the cage landing knees to the thighs of Aldo. But with just a few seconds left, Aldo spun out and landed a vicious right knee to the face of Mendes. That dropped the Team Alpha Male representative and Aldo made sure he was out with a hammering right hand that ended the bout.

Just seconds after ending the bout, Aldo sprinted into the HSBC crowd and celebrated with his fans in his country on the biggest night of the champion’s life. The images of Aldo on the shoulders of Brazilian fans and celebrating amongst his fellow countrymen will be an iconic one in MMA history and sports history. It was a lasting image that signaled the end of an incredible night in the birthplace of MMA.

Results:

Aldo def. Mendes via KO at 4:59 of round 1 to retain featherweight title.

Belfort def. Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:49 of round 1.

Rousimar Palhares def. Mike Massenzio via submission (heel hook) at 1:03 of round 1.

Carlo Prater def. Erick Silva via DQ (illegal blows to back of head) at 0:29 of round 1.

Edson Barboza def. Terry Etim via KO (wheel kick) at 2:02 of round 3.

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