UFC Philadelphia Breakdown: Barboza v Gaethje
Edson Barboza
Record: 26-6
Division: Lightweight
Ranking: 6
Notable wins: Paul Felder, Anthony Pettis, Gilbert Melendez
Team: American Top Team
Justin Gaethje (Former WSOF Lightweight Champion)
Record: 21-2
Division: Lightweight
Ranking: 7
Notable wins: James Vick, Michael Johnson, Brian Foster
Team: Genesis
UFC Philadelphia will be headlined by two of the most entertaining fighters in the lightweight division when Edson Barboza takes on Justin Gaethje, with a win putting either fighter into the lightweight title picture. Barboza is coming off an impressive TKO win over Dan Hooker back in December, while Gaethje picked up only his second win since joining the UFC with a devasting KO win over James Vick in June of last year.
For Barboza this is huge opportunity to launch himself into the UFC lightweight title picture. Barboza boasts an impressive resume with wins over Gilbert Melendez, Paul Felder and former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis to name a few. However, many people believe the Brazilian has never fully lived up to his potential despite glimpses of brilliance inside the octagon. Widely regarded as one the best strikers the organisation has seen Barboza decided to move camps to American Top Team after back to back defeats at the hands of Kevin Lee and UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Gaethje started his UFC career off with a bang with an impressive win over Michael Johnson back in July 2017. However, since then the former WSOF lightweight champion also suffered back to back defeats to former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier. Gaethje rebounded with arguably his best performance in the UFC disposing of James Vick in the very first round via KO.
I expect Barboza to utilise his striking and kicks to keep the distance in this fight, Barboza is excellent at judging space and countering his opponent’s when they think they see an opening. Barboza will try his best to keep the fight standing, he will use faints and switch stances where possible to draw Gaethje in all while continuing to look for an opportunity to land once his trademark switch kicks. For Gaethje he will do what he always does and try to make this fight into a brawl. Gaethje will try to close the distance as quickly as possible, if he remains on the outside, he is in a dangerous position for Barboza to land. I expect Gaethje to implement his wrestling in this fight similar to what Khabib did in his fight with the Brazilian. Gaethje a former NCAA division wrestler will attempt to smother Barboza early on, get him against the cage, make it uncomfortable, don’t let him find his rhythm.
This fight has fight of the year written all over it, Barboza known for his highlight reel KO`s while all of Gaethjes fights in the UFC have resulted in fight or performance of the night bonuses. If Barboza can get his striking going early it could be another impressive win for the Brazilian, however, the longer this fight goes the experience and wrestling of Gaethje could give the former WSOF champion the biggest win of his UFC career. Whatever the outcome we are in for a treat.
Writer/Interviewer
Twitter: @ciaranoflynn2
