• UFC 142

Pearson predicts Aldo will finish Mendes in Brazil

ESPN staff
January 6, 2012
Ross Pearson predicts Jose Aldo's striking will eventually prove too much for Chad Mendes at UFC 142 © Getty Images
Enlarge

When Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes contest the first UFC title bout of 2012 on January 14, Ross Pearson will have more than a vested interest, knowing he may have to one day beat the winner if he is to become featherweight champion.

Aldo and Mendes go toe-to-toe for the 145lb strap at UFC 142, in a real stylistic mix-up in Brazil. The champion Aldo will bring flair, lethal striking and danger with both his hands and feet, while Mendes will surely look to take the fight to the mat.

Pearson recently dropped to the featherweight division himself, making a successful debut against Junior Assuncao. The Brit has made it clear that he is eyeing a title shot in the future.

Asked who he expects to triumph out of Aldo and Mendes, Pearson believe Mendes will win the first round before succumbing to the leg kicks of the champion.

"I think Jose will win, I think he'll stop it to be honest," Pearson told ESPN. "The first round will be a good round for Mendes, using pressure with his wrestling. That'll help him out a lot.

"But he'll start getting caught with leg kicks, he'll get worn down with knees, and in the second or third you'll see a KO or TKO for Jose Aldo."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices