UFC FN 57: In Texas, Edgar and Swanson target Aldo and Barboza seeks regularity

F. Edgar (left) and C. Swanson (right) face each other after the weigh-in. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

There has been some conflicting information in recent months. Even before the victory of José Aldo about Chad Mendes There was already talk that the Brazilian's next challenger could come out of the duel between Cub swanson e Frankie Edgar or be the Irish Conor McGregor. There is still no confirmation on which version will actually come to fruition, however, just in case, Swanson and Edgar will face each other with an eye on the featherweight belt this Saturday (22), in the main fight of UFC Fight Night 57, in Austin, state from Texas (USA).

For Swanson, the recipe seems simpler. Coming from an undefeated series of six fights, the athlete from Jackson's MMA He has already said more than once that he received guarantees from president Dana White that he will be next in line for the title in the event of another triumph – even in the face of the rise of the controversial McGregor. As for Edgar, perhaps just a victory this Saturday won't be enough to guarantee a rematch against Aldo, who he was defeated by less than two years ago, but it certainly puts him very close to a new title shot.

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Speaking of José Aldo, Frankie Edgar e Cub swanson They have in common a defeat in their records against the Brazilian, in fights valid for the belt. Former UFC lightweight champion, Edgar moved down a category and challenged Manauara, but ended up defeated by unanimous decision from the judges after five rounds. Swanson had his chance against Aldo a long time ago, in 2009, when the featherweight from Nova União was still champion of the now-defunct WEC event. The Californian's experience against the Brazilian was certainly the most traumatic of his career and he ended up being knocked out in just seven seconds, after a flying knee that is still repeated to this day with exhaustion.

Known for his frenetic pace in the octagon and almost endless energy reserve, Frankie Edgar You should bet on your dynamic posture and also on your takedown game, built on years of experience in the wrestling North American university. Swanson, despite having a jiu-jitsu black belt, hasn't submitted an opponent in a long time, but can use the gentle art as a resource to surprise his rival. The main weapons of the current number two in the official rankings must be his incredible firepower, which has already given him eight knockout victories, and his reach advantage.

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Barboza seeks regularity and maintains an undefeated streak

Green (left) and Barboza (right) are in the co-main fight of the night. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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Even though he is in one of the most competitive divisions in Ultimate, the lightweight division, the Brazilian Edson Barboza tends to appear on most lists of the organization's most exciting prospects – largely due to his impressive knockouts, including the one that dispatched Terry emo at UFC Rio 2 and was awarded the best of the year in 2012. However, despite expectations, Edson has found it difficult to win key fights, against better ranked opponents that could represent a step forward in his career.

It was like that against Jamie Varner, exactly one fight after the spectacular shot in Rio, and also Donald Cerrone, in April this year. However, this Saturday, Barboza has a new chance to overcome a rival well placed in the category and coming from a good undefeated series. In the co-main fight of the event in Austin, the Friborg native will face the North American Bobby Green, currently seventh in the official ranking and who has eight consecutive victories.

Despite a relatively successful career in wrestling amateur, Bobby Green He has become increasingly interested in stand-up fighting and has won his last fights with a game based on a lot of pressure. And striking is also the strong point of Edson Barboza, specialist in taekwondo and muay thai. Therefore, it is to be expected a very open fight and a strong candidate for the “Fight of the Night” award.

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Check out the full UFC FN 57 card below:

MAIN CARD

Featherweight (up to 66 kg): Frankie Edgar x Cub swanson;

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Edson Barboza x Bobby Green;

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Chico Camus x Brad pickett;

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Oleksiy Oliynyk x Jared Rosholt;

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Joseph Benavidez x Dustin Ortiz;

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Isaac Vallie-Flagg x Matt wiman.

PRELIMINARY CARD

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Josh Copeland x Ruslan Magomedov;

Middleweight (up to 84 kg): Luke Barnatt x Roger Narvaez;