UFC 142 Results: Predictions for Aldo vs. Mendes and Top Fights

For the first time ever, a UFC main event will be a featherweight fight.

But don't for a second think that just because Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes are literally half as big as Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem they will provide less excitement. 

There should be just as much as excitement in Rio this weekend, and here's a closer look at three of the top matches for Saturday.

Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

After coming in overweight twice at welterweight, Johnson is finally in his right class—middleweight. This is good for him, as he can comfortably make weight, unlike before.

On the other side of things, Belfort moved down to middleweight back in 2008 and has been mostly successful. He's knocked out Terry Martin, Matt Lindland, Rich Franklin and Yoshihiro Akiyama, and he's gotten knocked out by Anderson Silva.

This one comes down to power and it will likely end in a knockout, so whoever lands the big blow first will get the win. Look for Johnson, the quicker of the two, to land a devastating head kick.

Winner: Anthony Johnson

Erick Silva vs. Carlo Prater

Last time at the Rio event, Silva knocked out Luis Ramos 40 seconds into the match.

Prater, who has yet to fight in the UFC, won't be knocked out quite as easily, but he still isn't quite on the same level as Silva. 

Silva is simply a step above Prater right now and it would be very surprising if the Brazilian didn't win this.

Winner: Erick Silva

José Aldo vs. Chad Mendes

The undefeated Mendes has a ton of confidence coming into this fight against the champion, Aldo, and you can't really blame him.

Mendes has terrific wrestling skills and has taken down some pretty solid opponents on his road to Rio. Also, even though this will be his first five-round fight, he is solid shape and could probably outlast Aldo.

Still though, Aldo, the Brazil native, has to be the favorite. He has too much power and is too good of a striker. He won't allow Mendes to bring this fight to the ground, where the American would have the advantage.

If Aldo keeps this fight upright, and I suspect he will, he'll win this match with a knockout blow.

Winner: José Aldo