UFC: Edson Barboza finally avoids being matched against a wrestler, as hi

Edson Barboza is often considered one of the best, if not the best strikers in the UFC. He also easily possesses the best kicks currently in the sport, his kicking technique is so smooth and refined that he can arguably even give a prime Mirko Cro Cop a run for his money. However, even with all his kicking prowess, Barboza has one huge chunk in his armour that has time and again costed him big, important fights, i.e. grappling and takedown defense. His last two fights have been consecutive losses to two much superior wrestlers who took him down and mauled him with fierce ground and pound. Though, Barboza’s wishes of not being matched against another wrestler have just been fulfilled by the UFC matchmakers and he is now all set to face another striker, Dan Hooker at UFC on Fox 31.

The Brazilian Barboza currently holds a professional MMA record of 19-6. Three of his last four defeats have come at the hands of crafty grapplers such as the former UFC interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson, the current UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov and top ranked UFC lightweight, Kevin Lee.

On the other hand, Hooker is currently on a four fight winning streak and has been on an absolute rampage, even finishing his last two fights inside the very first rounds. He currently holds a MMA record of 17-7.

Barboza had long been yearning for a fight with a fellow striker and was eager to avoid another tricky match-up with a grappler because he likes to stand-and-trade. His wishes were answered and the was recently made official.

The fight will likely be an exciting, technical match-up between two crafty strikers with knock-out power. The fans are surely in for a treat with this one.

Below is a list of the UFC on Fox 31 fights: