If the Jose Aldo/Chad Mendes fight is a dud, this fight is a dark horse candidate for fight of the night.
Terry Etim is coming off a 17-second welcome-home submission victory over Edward Faaloloto that signaled to the UFC that he was back and ready for a challenge. The UFC responded by giving him the undefeated phenom, Edson Barboza, in his backyard.
Edson Barboza hasn’t shown the enormous promise that has come with his entrance into the UFC, but he hasn’t lost and that stands for something. Perhaps the fact that he isn’t steamrolling his competition is better for him in the long run and will teach him how to stick to a game plan and overcome adversity.
In order for Terry Etim to win, he has to stay way from Barboza’s leg kicks. He has some of the most destructive leg kicks in the business, and it would be detrimental to Etim’s walking ability to stand there and take those kicks.
Etim also has to get the fight to the ground where he may have a submission advantage.
On the other hand, Barboza simply has to show his physical and athletic dominance and keep the fight standing. He has fantastic takedown defense, so Etim will have a hard time getting the fight into his comfort zone.
With that said, it looks like a great fight on paper, but it also looks like Barboza will get the nod.
(Edson Barboza wins by decision)
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