It’s been over a year since Bryan Barberena seized the spotlight and derailed Sage Northcutt’s hype train at UFC on FOX 18. Since then, “Bam Bam” has been thrust into the role as a hype killer, and he’s responded relatively well, handing Warlley Alves but losing to a surging Colby Covington. This Saturday, Barberena will have the task of ending Leon Roberts’ three-fight winning streak.
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Bryan Barberena +235
Leon Edwards -295
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -240, under +200
Fight Preview
Barberena’s was able to score huge upset wins over hyper-athletic fighters in Northcutt and Alves with a tough, grinding approach. While he’s not the quickest or most agile fighter, Bam Bam has a tough chin, a non-stop motor and a relentless style geared towards wearing down opponents.
Edwards might be primarily known for his kickboxing, but his prospect matchup with Albert Tumenov showed just how quickly he’s evolving as a wrestler. Instead of getting into a dangerous striking battle with a knockout artist, Edwards showed off dramatically improved takedowns and top control en route to a submission victory.
In his very next fight, Edwards looked even better as a complete mixed martial artist. Against an aggressive submission wrestler in Vicente Luque, “Rocky” landed trips, stuffed takedowns, hit nice escapes from the bottom and landed crisp shots from the outside. He’ll need all of these tools to stop a grinder like Barberena.
UFC Betting Tips
Just a few fights ago, Edwards might not have had the complete skillset to take out Barberena. But the improvements the 25-year old has made during his three-fight win streak cannot be overlooked. The man has transformed from a kickboxer into a three-dimensional fighter - and he was an exceptional athlete to begin with.
Bam Bam is going to make this fight ugly, but Edwards is learning how to win at a frightening rate. There are going to be a few scary moments, but the Brit should pick up a decision victory.
UFC Odds Pick: Edwards to win at -295
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UFC Fight Night 115 takes place on September 2, 2017 at the Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The card airs live on UFC Fight Pass.
