UFC 179
Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes
I cannot see Chad Mendes winning a standup battle against Aldo, as recently we have only seen him paired up with downright average strikers. I see Aldo pushing the game early on, and Mendes has a tendency to coast early on. If Mendes can stop his game plan and go for an early takedown, it could push in his favor. Otherwise, look for early damage from Aldo, and a dragged out victory.
Aldo by decision
Glover Teixeira vs. Phil Davis
For a win, Phil Davis without a doubt needs to take this fight to the ground, and dust off his wrestling skills. The big problem for Davis will be that his takedowns need work, and Teixeira has pretty good takedown defense. Unless Phil Davis can manage to do some damage with strikes while standing, without taking a huge beating, there is no way he can pull it off.
Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision
Fabio Maldonado vs. Hans Stringer
Third fight on the main card? Really? I dont think anybody will be shocked to see this fight go to a decision, and no one will be surprised that Stringer couldnt get the job done. Not even close. I am going out on a limb, and saying Sringer’s cardio will cost him dearly this time.
Fabio Maldonado by TKO
Darren Elkins vs. Lucas Martins
Lucas Martins has a bad habit of sticking his head out. Literally. He goes and takes shot after shot that he should be avoiding. His takedown defense needs some work too, and I can see Elkins taking advantage of that as well. I don’t see how this can work out well for Martins.
Darren Elkins by unanimous decision
Carlos Ferreira vs. Beneil Dariush
Will this turn out to be a standup match, or will one of them take it to the ground? Hard to say, but I think it would be a solid game plan for Ferreira. Dariush has to avoid Ferreira’s jiujitsu on the ground, and be technically superior against a more powerful striker to win this.
Carlos Ferreira by TKO
