After a much needed three week hiatus, the UFC returns this Saturday night with UFC 179 at the Maracanazinho Gymnasiumin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
While it is certainly not one of the more stacked cards of the year, it does provide several fights of consequence.
Let’s take a look at the 5 most intriguing bouts on the cards.
5. William Marcario vs. Neil Magny
Marcario is coming off a victory over the game Bobby Voelker. Magny is already 4-0 in 2014 and has openly stated he is aiming for a six win year. He is coming over a decision win over the ultra-athletic prospect Alex Garcia. Five straight wins for Magny in one the UFC’s deepest divisions would certainly earn a well-deserved step up in competition.
4. Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Beneil Dariush
Dariush submitted fellow UFC 179 fighter Tony Martin in his last appearance and has won two of three appearances inside the Octagon. However, the one to watch in this fight is Ferreira. After storming through the lightweight division in Legacy, he has remained unbeaten since joining the UFC, submitting Colton Smith and stopping Ramsey Nijem with strikes.
Ferreira started slow against Nijem, who handed Dariush his only loss, and was hurt, but rallied in the second round to finish the fight. Can Dariush capitalize early or will Ferreira continue his climb up the lightweight ranks?
3. Phil Davis vs. Glover Teixeira
The classic striker versus grappler match up. Davis is in need of a win badly here. Once thought of to be what Jon Jones actually became, Davis is at a bit of a career crossroads. At 30, he can no longer be considered a prospect and a loss on Saturday night would only further cement his status as a gatekeeper.
However, an impressive victory of former #1 contender Teixeira could just as easily put him back “in the mix” in the shallow light heavyweight division. Teixeira looks to get back on track after losing to the champion Jones. With the type of power the Liddell protégé possesses, he is always a must watch.
2. Wilson Reis vs. Scott Jorgensen
This is an under the radar bout between two technical, seasoned veterans. Jorgensen is coming off a much needed victory in June after he lost five of his previous six, albeit to elite competition. Reis most recently won his flyweight debut. Expect an exciting, fast paced and tactful fight with scrambles abound. The winner has the potential to make waves in the flyweight division.
1. Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes
Was there ever any doubt? The title rematch is easily the best and most important fight on the card. Ever since the illegal fence grab, knee to the face KO combo, “Money” Mendes has been on a mission. His improved striking under the tutelage of Duane Ludwig has led him five straight victories, four coming by knockout.
Aldo remains one of the best fighters in the world and maintains one of the longest win streaks in Zuffa history. There seems to be some legit heat between the two which only adds to the intrigue. Can Aldo continue to be Aldo? Or will Mendes exact his revenge and shake up the featherweight division for the first time in a long time?