UFC 142: Brazilian stars shine brightest in Rio

A host of Brazilian mixed martial arts superstars gave a packed Brazilian crowd a night to remember at UFC 142 with a series of stunning finishes.

Brazilian fighters won all ten of the bouts that took place at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro last night.

The main event of the evening saw pound-for-pound great Jose Aldo produce a stunning KO to finish the tenacious Chad Mendes with just one second remaining in the opening round.

The defending UFC featherweight champion was being held up against the cage by his American opponnent, but as the pair broke, Aldo landed a huge knee to Mendes' chin and followed up with a huge punch to finish the fight.

Aldo's celebration saw him sprint straight out of the cage and into an already ecstatic crowd, causing a near riot as the venue's security staff attempted to extracate the champion from a sea of Brazilian fans.

In the co-main event, Brazilian UFC legend Vitor Belfort weathered an early storm from American Anthony "Rumble" Johnson before submitting him with a rear naked choke with 11 seconds to go in the first round.

The fight, scheduled for the 185lb middleweight division, went ahead as a catchweight bout after Johnson missed weight by a full 11 pounds, prompting UFC president Dana White to call Johnson "totally unprofessional" and declare the former welterweight contender was fighting for his career.

Johnson came out aggressively, but Belfort remained calm throughout and, after Johnson's pace dropped slightly, took full advantage, establishing control of his back and sinking in the fight-winning choke.

Middleweight submission specialist Rousimar Palhares showcased his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in impressive fashion as he took just 63 seconds to defeat American Mike Massenzio.

Palhares quickly took Massenzio to the mat and locked in a heel-hook that left the American with no option but to tap out.

The first fight of the main card saw lightweight sensation Edson Barboza claim one of the most spectacular knockout victories in UFC history with a wheel kick knockout of Liverpool's Terry Etim.

Etim had started the fight well, but by the end of the first round Barboza looked the more aggressive fighter. The Brazilian took the second round with his more aggressive striking game before finishing the fight in memorable fashion two minutes into the third round.

His stunning wheel kick landed flush on Etim's jaw, leaving the Englishman out cold before he even hit the floor and guaranteeing Barboza the knockout of the night bonus. Both fighters also claimed the fight of the night bonus in what was an entertaining bout.

Another Brazilian, Erick Silva, has been tipped for big things after claiming a domestic title in his native Brazil. His bout with fellow Brazilian Carlo Prater finished in controversial fashion with Silva being disqualified.

Watching the bout live it apppeared Silva had claimed an impressive TKO victory over Prater after landing a solid knee, then following up with good punches on the ground.

However referee Mario Yamasaki disqualified Silva for punches to the back of the head, despite replays showing very few shots landing on the back of Prater's head during the exchange.

The UFC, sympathising with what they felt was an unjust disqualification, paid Silva a winner's bonus and recommended he appeal the decision.