UFC 142 Fight Card: Betting Odds and Predictions for Rio

On Saturday, Jan. 14, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will attempt to repeat history when they travel back to Brazil for UFC 142 in Rio De Janeiro.

UFC 142 will take place at the HSBC Arena in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, beginning at 7 p.m. PT and 10 p.m. ET.

The main event will be headlined around Jose Aldo, who will look to successfully defend his featherweight title in front of his home country of Brazil when he meets No. 1 contender Chad Mendes.

Also featured on the main card is Vitor Belfort, who will be meeting newly accustomed 185-pounder Anthony Johnson.

The following slides display betting odds and predictions for UFC 142.

Let's take a look.

Erick Silva vs. Carlo Prater

Betting Odds: Erick Silva -460; Carlo Prater +365

In the first of five main card bouts, Erick Silva will attempt to pick up where he left off when he meets Carlo Prater in a welterweight showdown.

Silva has lost just one time in his career and is the more well-rounded fighter heading into action on Jan. 14.

However, Silva has never faced an opponent with the submission skills and conditioning of Prater. If Prater can push the bout pass the first two rounds, he'll have a chance to capture a judge's decision.

But that's a big if.

Prediction: Silva by R2 Submission

Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim

Betting Odds: Edson Barboza -255; Terry Etim +215

Edson Barboza has quickly emerged as one of the most promising up-and-coming fighters in the UFC today.

However, Barboza's hype may be undeserving, as he's failed to finish his opponents in his last two outings.

He'll be taking on Terry Etim, who recently returned to the Octagon after having been out of the sport of MMA for more than a year. Barboza will need to be extremely careful not to get caught in Etim's submission attempts, or his undefeated record could be in jeopardy.

When all is said and done, Barboza will demonstrate why he is the more put-together fighter.

Prediction: Barboza by Unanimous Decision

Rousimar Palhares vs. Mike Massenzio

Betting Odds: Rousimar Palhares -460; Mike Massenzio +365

Rousimar Palhares is a shoo-in when it comes to a spectacular performance, as he has all the ingredients to earn "Fight of the Night" honors every time he takes the Octagon.

Palhares will attempt to do so when he squares off with Mike Massenzio at UFC 142. Fortunately for Palhares, Massenzio isn't necessarily a flashy fighter who brings a lot of threats to the table.

However, Massenzio does have what it takes to put Palhares in a bad position and finish him from there.

The downside of Massenzio's skill set, though, is that he has yet to fully prove he can stand and exchange strikes.

Prediction: Palhares by R2 TKO

Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

Betting Odds: Vitor Belfort -130; Anthony Johnson +110

In the co-main event of the evening, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson will try and prove to the world his transition to the middleweight division was for a good cause.

But in order to do so, he'll have to get through the hard-hitting Vitor Belfort.

As we know, Belfort doesn't go down easily, but he is increasing in age, which gives the slightest advantage to Johnson.

Belfort is clearly the more experienced fighter, as he'll try and expose Johnson's weaknesses early. If Belfort can control action from the very beginning, he'll have an exceptional chance to be declared victorious.

However, Johnson is on the best stretch of his career, which makes for a ruined night for Belfort.

Prediction: Johnson by R2 TKO

Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes

Betting Odds: Jose Aldo -240; Chad Mendes +200

In the main event of the evening at UFC 142, Jose Aldo will try and remain the UFC's featherweight champion when he takes on fellow 145-pounder, Chad Mendes.

Mendes is believed to be Aldo's biggest threat to date. He has manhandled his past opponents through his takedowns and wrestling. Aldo has grown greatly in his wrestling and should be well prepared for anything Mendes may bring in their championship bout.

If Mendes can put Aldo on his back and keep him there, he'll leave Rio De Janeiro the newest featherweight champion.

However, Aldo is the more well-rounded fighter, and will do everything he can to expose the stand-up of Mendes since his striking is questionable.

Prediction: Aldo by Unanimous Decision

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