Khabib (photo) dominated E. Barboza at UFC 219 (Photo: Reproduction Instagram ufc)
After coming close to the lightweight title on a few occasions, Edson Barboza he ended up losing decisive fights and ended up returning to the middle of the line. The same happened at UFC 219 this Saturday (30), when the Brazilian was dominated by Khabib Nurmagomedov and was unable to qualify for the category belt fight.
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The Brazilian started well, throwing hard low kicks, but soon succumbed to the pressure game of the Russian, who had formidable physical preparation and showed no fatigue throughout the 15 minutes of the fight. With this, Nurmagomedov arrives to fight for the belt, either against Tony Ferguson (interim belt owner) or Conor McGregor (lineal champion).
“I can fight Conor or Tony today. I just need an hour of rest and the UFC can make this fight right now. Thank you everyone for your support”, teased the Russian.
Opening the main card, Neil Magny showed his physical fitness was up to date and surprised the former interim champion Carlos Condit. With a pressure game and combining punches with kicks, Magny managed to get back into the victory column after losing to Rafael Dos Anjos, leaving Condit lost in the octagon. The former owner of the provisional belt hadn't fought in 16 months and looked rusty, being easy prey in the first two rounds and only appearing in the last round.
Then, it was time for an important strawweight fight. Former division champion Carla esparza overcame the feeling Cynthia calvillo in a controversial result. After being dominated on the ground during the opening five minutes, “Cookie Monster” used her kicks and straight rights to keep her promising opponent out of her reach. Even so, the decision was booed by the fans, who believed in Calvillo's victory. In light weight, Dan Hooker e Marc Diakiese They fought warmly until the third round, when the Australian Hooker landed a guillotine choke that forced Diakiese to withdraw.
THE FIGHT
Edson Barboza He started the fight moving a lot, using hard low kicks and alternating with stomps on the stomach. Khabib maintained his pressure style and knew how to absorb the Brazilian's most traumatic blows until he closed the distance and managed to get the takedown. From then on, the Russian began to apply his merciless ground and pound, hurting Barboza's face, who returned to the corner disoriented after the end of the round.
In the second round, more of the same. There were a few moments in which Edson was still rehearsing a reaction and more control over Nurmagomedov, who closed the distance, took him down and punished the Brazilian in a brutal way. In the last round, the Nova Friburgo fighter surprised with his resistance, managing to land hard blows, including a flying knee and two round kicks. However, “Eagle” maintained his pressure style and won another round – and the fight – handily.
UFC 219 results (so far):
Lightweight: Khabib Nurmagomedov derrotou Edson Barboza by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-24)
Lightweight: Dan Hooker defeated Marc Diakese via submission (guillotine) at 42s of R3
Straw weight: Carla esparza derrotou Cynthia calvillo by unanimous decision (3x 29-28)
Welterweight Weight: Neil Magny derrotou Carlos Condit by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight: Michal Oleksiejczuk derrotou Khalil Rountree Jr. by unanimous decision (3x 30-27)
Featherweight: Myles Jury defeated Rick Glenn via unanimous decision (3x 30-27)
Average weight: Marvin vettori e Omari Akhmedov have a majority draw (28-28, 29-28 Vettori, 28-28)
Fly weight: Matheus Nicolau derrotou Louis Smolka by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)
Bantamweight: Tim Elliott defeated Mark De La Rosa via submission (hand triangle) at 1m41s of R2
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