UFC 142 Fight Card: 10 Predictions You Can Take to the Bank

On Saturday, Jan. 14, the UFC will look to start off the new year on the right foot when they travel to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, for UFC 142.

UFC 142 will take place at the HSBC Arena beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT and 10:00 p.m. ET.

In the main event of the evening, Jose Aldo will attempt to remain unbeaten in the UFC when he takes on highly dangerous grappler Chad Mendes.

Also featured on the main card is new 185-pounder Anthony "Rumble" Johnson who will meet Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort.

While nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to the UFC, there are several predictions you can be certain on.

So, the following slides display 10 predictions you can take to the bank.

Mike Pyle Gets Back on Track

Mike Pyle will enter the Octagon at UFC 142 coming off a defeat to Rory MacDonald at UFC 133.

Pyle will be taking on fellow welterweight Ricardo Funch, who hasn't seen any success inside the Octagon up until this point in his career.

In fact, Funch was dismissed from the UFC after falling in his debut and his second bout.

After a win outside of the UFC, Funch has now returned, but he'll be taking on an opponent in Pyle who's much more skilled and experienced.

Fans can expect Pyle to get back on track.

Yuri Alcantara Remains Hot

There are few fighters in the UFC who are as hot as Yuri Alcantara at this point in his career.

Alcantara will take on Michihiro Omigawa in a preliminary card showdown when action begins on Jan. 14.

Alcantara will be searching for his 13th consecutive win and shouldn't have a hard time finding it against Michihiro, who's been lackluster as of late.

Unfortunately for Michihiro, Alcantara has the power in his hands and is capable of submitting his opponents from nearly any angle inside the Octagon.

Gabriel Gonzaga Comes Alive

It's been quite some time since UFC fans have seen Gabriel Gonzaga inside the Octagon.

In fact, Gonzaga hasn't fought in the UFC for over a year which could ultimately result in ring rust.

However, as we've seen in the past, Gonzaga isn't easily phased and almost never fails to display a show for his fans.

Those in attendance can expect to see a Gonzaga who's better than ever.

Sam Stout Outlasts Thiago Tavares

Since joining forces with the UFC years ago, Sam Stout has established himself as one of the more exciting fighters in the organization.

However, Stout hasn't fought in quite some time, leading us to believe his upcoming performance could be less than spectacular.

Regardless, Stout has all the ingredients to win a fight, even if it is by a judge's decision.

Stout is slated to take on Thiago Tavares on Jan. 14, and fans shouldn't be surprised to see his hand raised by decision victory.

Edson Barboza Continues the Climb

After a subpar performance against Ross Pearson at UFC 134, Edson Barboza has been given another opportunity to fight in front of his home country of Brazil.

Barboza will take on Terry Etim, who is coming off arguably the biggest win of his career at UFC 138, where he submitted Edward Faaloloto in a stunning 17 seconds.

Etim certainly has the tools to finish Barboza, as he's fairly well-rounded.

However, it's likely Etim can't compete with the Brazilian's conditioning, as Barboza has demonstrated an ability to wear out his opponents in his most recent fights.

Erick Silva Finishes Carlo Prater

There's never been any doubt just how dangerous Erick Silva is in the submission game, as he's recorded seven victories by way of tap-out.

And, any questions that remained in regards to his striking are long gone after his most recent knockout victory over Luis Ramos at UFC 134.

Silva is on a fast track to the top of welterweight division and is finishing anything that's in his path.

Well, Carlo Prater will be in his path on Jan. 14.

Rousimar Palhares vs. Mike Massenzio Becomes a War

In one of the most unpredictable bouts of the evening at UFC 142, Rousimar Palhares will look to remain red-hot when he takes on Mike Massenzio.

Everyone is well aware of Palhares submission skills, but Massenzio isn't too far behind.

Massenzio will more than likely will have the advantage in the stand-up, which could make for one of the best fights of the night.

It's very possible Palhares vs. Massenzio could take home 'Fight of the Night' honors.

Anthony Johnson Wins His Middleweight Debut

After frequent success at the welterweight division, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson will be taking his over-sized body to the 185-pound weight class.

However, Johnson will be taking on the toughest opponent of his career in Vitor Belfort.

When two of the UFC's hardest hitters clash, it's very likely Johnson will have the advantage as he'll enter the Octagon well over 210 pounds.

Whoever drops their opponent first will come out on top and it's likely that will be Johnson in his middleweight debut.

Jose Aldo Remains Champion

In undoubtedly the most anticipated bout of the evening at UFC 142, Jose Aldo will look to defend his featherweight title successfully when he takes on No. 1 contender, Chad Mendes.

It's likely Aldo will be well prepared for Mendes' grappling and wrestling attack, as he's spent a significant amount of time training with Gray Maynard in preparations for his bout.

However, Aldo certainly won't have it easy, as Mendes has never been defeated in his MMA career.

But, when all is said and done, it will be Aldo who hangs on to his UFC gold.

Brazil Gets Wild

Brazil doesn't need their hometown hero Anderson Silva or even Chael Sonnen for that matter to get their blood pumping.

All they'll need are some good fights similar to that of UFC 134.

Jose Aldo and Vitor Belfort returning to town is just an add-on bonus.

If you happen to be in Rio De Janeiro the night of the fights, expect it to get wild.

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.