For the second time in less than four months, the UFC will return to the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The same city that will host the 2016 Summer Olympics and 2014 FIFA World Cup again welcomes the world of MMA and lends even more support to the sport’s continued growth into a world-wide phenomenon.

There is no doubt that global expansion of the UFC brand is on top of the "to do" list for 2012. With 34 events already on the schedule, MMA is set to take another huge step this year.

Demand for cards in countries like Ireland and Sweden may finally bring the UFC to more places abroad. President Dana White has already stated there is a plan in place to bring two events on the same day to Japan and Las Vegas.

Bottom line, the UFC’s network deal with FOX appears to be just another step in their plan for world domination in the sport of MMA. With all their success thus far, being the betting man that I am, I’d say they’re a "lock" to do just that. UFC is planning up to four cards in Brazil for 2012.

Let’s take a look at the UFC 142 card and see if we can find some value to go along with what will surely be another compelling event this Saturday.

The main event pits UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo (20-1) against Chad Mendes (11-0). This fight marks the third defense of Aldo’s 145 lbs. title after beating both Kenny Florian and Mark Hominick by decision in 2011. Mendes also fought twice this past year and was successful against Rani Yahya and Michihiro Omigawa, winning both by decision.

Aldo continues to draw comparisons to UFC middleweight champion and the No. 1 pound for pound MMA fighter Anderson Silva. Both are from Brazil and excellent strikers possessing the toughest ground games in the sport. Aldo has won 18 of his last 19 fights and it’s his defense that makes him so difficult to deal with. That said, he is a potent knockout artist and can end a fight in a flash.

Mendes was a 2-time Pac 10 wrestling champion and 2-time Division 1 NCAA wrestling All-American. He too brings with him plenty of defense to the cage. Five of his last six bouts have gone to the judges scorecards and he’s remained undefeated by outworking and out-striking the opposition. Mendes has only been a practitioner of MMA for 2 ½ years and most believe has unlimited potential in the sport.

But his lack of experience especially on the big stage will ultimately be his unraveling. Unlike Aldo who previously held the WEC title and has defended his current UFC title. The odds makers have the champion listed as a -265 favorite with the take back on the challenger at +205. I expect this line will continue to climb as the fight nears.

Based on both fighters current form, we are very likely to see another 5 round war at the lighter weights. The safer bet is to lay the chalk. ALDO

Johnson +110 vs Belfort

If this wasn’t Anthony Johnson’s first fight at middleweight (185 lbs) after having success as a welterweight, we may have taken a closer look at possibly backing the underdog. Instead, we’ll add him to an exotic or two since he does offer some value at this price against the 34 yr old Vitor Belfort.

BOXING/MMA RECORD: 36-18 (67%)

(By-Line : Vegas-Runner is a professional sports bettor in Las Vegas. He’s been featured on CNBC/ESPN and currently holds the record for "Most Units Won" in a single year at the Sports Monitor. Follow VR on Twitter (@vegasrunner) and at Pregame.com)