UFC 142 Preview: The Main Card

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Middleweights
Rousimar Palhares (13-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. Mike Massenzio (13-5, 2-3 UFC)

The Matchup: If he can overcome the mental lapses that sometimes plague him in the cage, the physical tools are there for Palhares to become a Top 10 middleweight.

In his most recent appearance, “Toquinho” blasted Dan Miller with a head kick and follow-up punches in the opening round of their encounter at UFC 134, only to allow his opponent a reprieve by prematurely celebrating a stoppage that did not happen. Though Palhares ultimately won the decision, things would have been easier if he had maintained his focus. It was not the first questionable instance of the Brazilian’s career, either. At UFC Fight Night 22, Palhares chose to protest to the referee that Nate Marquardt was allegedly greasing, allowing his foe to catch him off-guard with a punch and finish the fight.

Palhares is a physically imposing 185-pounder who can finish a fight with any number of leg locks. Heel hooks have been the method of choice in the Octagon, and Massenzio would be wise to protect his legs at all times. The Team Bombsquad product is a decorated wrestler with solid conditioning, but he is going to find it difficult to impose his will on Palhares in any area of the fight. Krzysztof Soszynski stuffed multiple takedowns from Massenzio and overpowered him on the ground. Though that bout was contested at light heavyweight, Palhares possesses great upper body strength and figures to be able to do the same.

The Brazilian has more to his arsenal than just jiu-jitsu, as his ground-and-pound from top position can be overwhelming, and he is more than willing to exchange on the feet. Palhares does not always strike with variety, but he hits harder than his opponent here. Massenzio will need to demonstrate solid defensive wrestling technique to stay alive, utilizing movement and under hooks to frustrate Palhares. On the canvas, the Brazilian Top Team product can hit one of his vaunted submissions in transitions and scrambles and can sweep to get back to his feet if taken down.

If Massenzio can survive the early onslaught and drag the bout to the third round, he might be able to pull the upset, as Palhares has been known to tire in the later stages of a fight.

The Pick: Expect a more focused Palhares, who will be extremely aggressive from the outset. He will batter Massenzio enough on the feet early before forcing the action to the ground to earn a first-round submission.

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