UFC 142: Aldo vs Mendes Pick

UFC Betting: Jose Aldo faces real test against Chad Mendes.
by BetOnline

The first UFC event of 2012 will take place in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the HSBC Arena, where the hometown favorite and UFC Featherweight champion Jose Aldo will put his title on the line against No. 1 contender Chad Mendes. The 25-year old Aldo has been impressive since making the move from the WEC to UFC, and after consecutive wins over Mark Hominick and Kenny Florian will stand toe-to-toe with the undefeated challenger Mendes.

• UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes
• (20-1-0) Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes (11-0-0)
• Saturday January 14, 2012
• HSBC Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Betting Line: Jose Aldo - 240

While Aldo has carried over his success from the WEC, the same can be said for Mendes but to a lesser extent, as he has won each of his first two fights in the UFC. The 26-year old American should be one of the tougher challenges for Aldo to this point in his career, as he represents arguably the best wrestler he will have faced.

UFC 142 Betting Preview: Jose Aldo

Aldo had his way with Florian in his latest title defense, and proved that even against tough fighters he has the ability to control the tempo. Many feel as though Aldo’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills make him the sports betting favorite against any wrestler he will face due to his ability to make quick moves and get to his feet if taken down. With just two of his 20 career wins coming via submission there is no reason to think that Aldo wouldn’t prefer to stand up against a wrestler, especially with his superior reach and striking ability. Aldo is one of the quickest pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and it is his lightning reflexes that help him avoid being put in compromising situations.

UFC 142 Betting Preview: Chad Mendes

A former NCAA division I wrestler, Mendes will prefer to use his grappling against a superior striker in Aldo, and take this fight to the ground. Where he will have to be careful is not to get caught being too overaggressive if he is able to take down Aldo, especially considering that he could leave himself exposed to Aldo’s BJJ on the mat. Mendes’ striking has undoubtedly come a long way since he first started in the WEC, but he will have a tough time finishing one of the best in the sport unless he can control the tempo of the fight.

UFC 142 Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

Even if Mendes does use his wrestling skills to bring Aldo down, he will have a tough time putting him away on the ground. The reigning champion is quicker, and is dangerous whether on his feet or on the mat, and he is a master at controlling the tempo of his fights. This title defense will be a particularly important one for Aldo in front of his home crowd, and it’s hard to imagine him not pulling through as the sportsbook favorite.

UFC 142 Online Betting Pick: Jose Aldo