UFC 129 Preview: The Main Card

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UFC Featherweight Championship
Jose Aldo (No. 1 FW, No. 3 PFP) vs. Mark Hominick

The Matchup: If there were a better way to kick off the UFC’s inaugural 145-pound title bout, it would be hard to beat this. Aldo, one of the game’s best offensive fighters and a precision striking machine, takes on Hominick, who is more than willing to oblige. Both have highlight-reel knockouts and utilize every weapon available -- fists, feet, knees and elbows.

There is a reason this match was made, and it is simple: fireworks. There is also a reason Hominick will oblige Aldo standing, because he does not have much chance of taking him down or controlling him once he gets there. Aldo controls range and distance as good as any fighter in the game, using sudden, whipsaw kicks and haymakers to discourage opponents from closing the gap.

If one watches his five-round domination of Urijah Faber at WEC 48, he controlled the gap between them with shocking ease, crossing it at will to land punishing shots.

Hominick has one way to win here: come out and score big, often and early. He is also playing directly into Aldo’s style, so expect the Brazilian to measure the distance before taking the starch out of the challenger with booming counter shots and deadly low kicks.

The Pick: It will be exciting while it lasts but increasingly one-sided, with Aldo wearing down Hominick en route to a second-round stoppage.

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