In one of the more underrated, yet meaningful, Octagon showdowns of the year, lightweights Bobby Green and Edson Barboza will collide this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 57.
In a tantalizing matchup between a tricky boxer and a technical kickboxer, the 155-pound rising contenders could produce one of the best divisional stints of the year.
Driven by unorthodox movement, strong wrestling skills and the tenacity to push forward at every turn, Green will attempt to capture his fifth UFC victory, which will essentially launch him to the top of the weight class.
But he takes on a highlight-reel striker in Barboza, a Brazilian guru on the feet who can demolish his opponent whenever he finds his groove.
It makes for an unbelievable co-main event for this weekend and a must-watch for any fan interested in seeing leather fly.
Here are each fighter’s keys to victory as we buckle up for one heck of a ride.
Keys to victory for Green
Get inside
Equipped with spectacular angling and shifty footwork, Green is often able to get inside on opponents and initiate some old-fashioned dirty boxing.
Now while his technique is sort of brilliant, it does have its flaws.
Whether due to cockiness or sheer style, King draws comfort from leaving his hands considerably low. In turn, this has led to the 28-year-old getting hit by a variety of significant strikes.
Against a guy like Barboza, Green cannot drop his gloves. So when he steps forward to close the distance and prevent Barboza from using his reach, he needs to protect himself more than usual.
Land early
Barboza only gets better as a fight draws on.
A striker of his caliber who mixes in a plethora of offensive techniques needs time to find his rhythm.
Green can instantly and effectively take this away from the wheel-kicking dynamo by hitting him as early as possible.
If the former Strikeforce standout can implement offensive attacks within the first few minutes of the bout, then Barboza may never fully grasp his own game plan.
For as unpredictable and in-your-face as Green is, fighters often fall victim to his pace, persistence and perilous exchanges.
Keys to victory for Barboza
Keep his distance
Barboza has a four-inch reach advantage over Green, and he’s going to use it.
Not only will it help when it comes to circling out, throwing his jab down main street and landing on the go, but more importantly, the extra length will be added to his kicks.
But as advantageous and worthwhile as his reach is on the offensive side of things, Barboza also has to utilize his natural size to deflect Green’s wild combinations and suffocating advances.
The 28-year-old can do this by consistently moving, keeping his back away from the cage and avoiding any overzealous reaching.
Do what he does best
In accordance with the previous notation regarding Green’s tendency to leave his hands low, Barboza simply has to do what he does best in order to finish this fight.
As arguably the most technically sound and fine-tuned kickboxer in the promotion today, the budding lightweight possesses the power, speed and unpredictability to finish any of his opponents.
Not to mention he owns one of the greatest knockouts in the history of the world.
If Green really wants to play this suicidal game and leave his head and neck exposed, then the Brazilian will easily cash in on his opponent’s bad habit.
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