Edson Barboza had a breakthrough 2016, scoring wins over former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez. Now squarely in the top tier of contenders - in a stacked division no less - the Brazilian is looking to start 2017 this Saturday in a high-risk, low-reward matchup against the underrated Beneil Dariush.
Let’s check out the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your betting options. Please note, the UFC odds are updated daily and are subject to change.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Beneil Dariush +148
Edson Barboza -174
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -190, under +165
The Case for Dariush
Nothing about the guy really jumps out at you. He’s not particularly big or ripped, nor does he have a dominant skillset. But Dariush knows how to win with a well-rounded skillset and fight IQ. He out-thinks opponents, adjusting his gameplan on the fly and exploiting whatever opportunities appear.
In the most loaded UFC division, Dariush has quietly racked up an 8-2 octagon record, scoring wins over more highly regarded fighters like Jim Miller and Michael Johnson. A pressure fighter, the Kings MMA ace is excellent at crowding opponents and making them uncomfortable - even if he’s not throwing a ton of strikes.
Backed with solid submission skills, Dariush is comfortable in any phase of MMA. But what he’s really good at is taking away his opponent’s strengths and forcing them to fight at his pace. That will be key against a rhythm fighter like Barboza.
The Case for Barboza
Barboza’s success can be tied back to a single, dangerous weapon: his crushing leg kick. There’s just no other fighter who commits to it as much as the Brazilian, and he’s embraced his role as the destroyer of thigh meat.
An excellent Muay Thai artist, Barboza is at his best when he’s operating in space. A plus athlete, Edson uses his speed to dance around opponents and make them pay for chasing him. Anthony Pettis - a spectacular athlete - could not catch Barboza when they met.
While his inexperience did lead to moments of panic in previous fights, Barboza is growing as a mixed martial artist. He’s picking his shots more and refusing to get into brawls, which should help against Dariush’s aggression. If he fights smart, Barboza’s physical advantages should take over.
How You Should Bet
This is a tough fight for Barboza, but it’s his to lose. He holds all the key advantages in this matchup, save for wrestling - and Dariush isn’t strong enough to consistently take him down. There is the chance that Barboza panics or fades like he has in the past, but it’s not in Dariush’s game to create constant chaos. Barboza to win is a solid play at decent value.
UFC odds pick: Barboza to win -170
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UFC Fight Night 106 takes place on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Centro de Formacao in Forteleza, Brazil. The card airs live on FS1.
