UFC 142 Preview: The Main Card

---

Lightweights
Edson Barboza (9-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Terry Etim (15-3, 6-3 UFC)

The Matchup: Barboza recently expressed an interest in dropping to featherweight, but, for now, he remains one of the most promising talents in the 155-pound division. The Brazilian has been tested in recent bouts, prevailing against Anthony Njoukani and Ross Pearson in competitive three-round battles. Those types of fights, not one-sided blowouts, will aid him in his progression as his skills continue to evolve.

Etim made a spectacular return to the Octagon at UFC 138, submitting Edward Faaloloto in just 17 seconds after an 18-month layoff. The lanky Englishman combines aggressive standup with a well-rounded submission game and has won five of his last six in the UFC.

In most of his fights, the 6-foot-1 Etim can keep his opponents at a safe distance, but that will not be the case against Barboza, who possesses the reach advantage. This is a scary prospect for Etim, whose long legs figure to be an easy target for the numbing kicks of the Brazilian. The former Ring of Combat competitor is more than capable of leg kicking an opponent into oblivion, as Mike Lullo can attest. Barboza can land kicks from all angles without telegraphing their arrival and will follow up with fast and accurate punches. Both Pearson and Njoukani experienced their greatest success against Barboza when they attacked aggressively and disrupted his rhythm.

Etim has a good chin, but he will want to initiate offense, as well, or risk gradually being picked apart. It has not shown itself in previous fights, but Barboza says he has been working on his jiu-jitsu. That should prove useful against Etim, who has good instincts for finishing with submissions. Etim struggles when forced to work from his back, however, and while not known for his wrestling, Barboza is strong enough to put him there.

The Pick: The fun should start early in this one, as both men figure to be willing to engage and exchange on the feet. It is hard to go against Barboza’s power there, and the Brazilian should be crafty and strong enough to avoid falling into the clutches of one of Etim’s dangerous submissions. Barboza punishes Etim standing en route to winning a unanimous decision.

Finish Reading » Last Fight: Erick Silva vs. Carlo Prater