As anyone who’s ever attended a live Eagles game will attest, Philadelphia fans have a special place in their hearts for unbridled violence, whether it takes place on the field, in the stands, or inside the Octagon.
That’s why the mixed martial arts (MMA) community in “The City of Brotherly Love” will be pleased to learn that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is currently working on the lightweight pairing of Edson Barboza vs. Justin Gaethje, tentatively scheduled for March 30 on ESPN.
That’s according to a report from Brett Okamoto.
Barboza (20-6) beat the snot out of Dan Hooker at UFC on FOX 31 just last month, snapping a two-fight losing streak in the process and keeping himself ranked at No. 6 in the promotion’s official rankings (see them here).
As for Gaethje (19-2), he also dug himself out of an 0-2 hole while simultaneously digging a grave for James Vick, who joined “The Highlight” reel by way of first-round knockout at UFC Fight Night 135 last August.
Fun fight … let’s just hope we get pen to paper before it falls apart.
Also getting their hands dirty at UFC on ESPN 2 are veteran strawweight contenders Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Michelle Waterson, while flyweight hopefuls Alexa Grasso and Marina Rodriguez hook ‘em up at 125 pounds.
Stay tuned for more Philly fight card announcements in the coming weeks.