UFC Lightweight bout: Ross Pearson vs. Edson Barboza
Odds: (+250 Pearson /-375 Barboza )
Betting Pick: Barboza
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In what has the makings of a very competitive Lightweight bout, prolific Brazilian striker Edson Barboza Junior will put his unblemished record on the line against well-rounded Brit Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson. Barboza has blazed his way to an 8-0 professional record with truly devastating striking, but Pearson is very versatile and has a good ground game that could really test Barboza. Barboza may be better at striking than Pearson is at anything, but if Pearson can use wrestling and ground control to take Barboza off his game he could be well-positioned to add the first blemish to Barboza’s record.
Ross Pearson, a talented Brit who earned a spot in the UFC by winning the Lightweight division of the US vs. UK edition of The Ultimate Fighter, has a very well-rounded game. He is a decent boxer with some power in his hands, and his wrestling and submissions are both quite solid. Against Barboza his offensive grappling is going to be very important, because Barboza is the superior striker in terms of both technique and power. If Pearson wants to end Barboza’s winning streak, he is going to need to put him on his back early and often and score points from the top while working for submissions. In a standup fight he will inevitably be overwhelmed.
Edson Barboza has looked very impressive in winning the first eight bouts of his professional career. In his last fight, he stepped up in competition against Anthony Njokuani and handled him easily, winning by unanimous decision. Pearson represents another step up for him, but Barboza has the tools to succeed at a high level in Mixed Martial Arts. His striking is superlative, and he seems to have an effective ground game as well. His wrestling is a question mark, but he does have some submission prowess to go along with his dynamic striking. Against Pearson, or any other opponent really, he is going to want to keep this fight standing where he can exploit his advantage in power and technique.
Pearson is a step up for Barboza, but I think the Brazilian is ready. Pearson’s wrestling isn’t dominant enough that he is going to completely take over the fight, and Barboza is just too good standing. Barboza by T/KO.
Prediction: Edson Barboza via first round T/KO.
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