UFC Atlantic City: Edson Barboza faces Kevin Lee to continue dreaming of a belt

E. Barboza (left) faces Lee in the main fight of the night. Photo: Reproduction / YouTube UFC

Famous for its beaches and many luxurious casinos, Atlantic City, the 'Mini Vegas' of the East Coast of the United States, will have a night with expectations of knockouts, submissions and good fights. UFC Fight Night Atlantic City arrives in the state of New Jersey, this Saturday (21), with 12 fights on the fight program. In the main attraction of the night, the Brazilian Edson Barboza face Kevin Lee, in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg.).

In the second most anticipated duel of the attraction, the former lightweight champion and former challenger for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), Frankie Edgar, tries to get back on track towards the title against the veteran Cub swanson.

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In addition to Barboza, Brazil will have two more representatives at the show: on the main card, Thiago Marreta faces David Branch. In the preliminary program, Luan Chagas will face the Afghan Siyar Bahadurzada.

Barboza fights against Lee's takedowns and tries to climb to the top-3

The main fight of UFC Atlantic City will be a true duel of styles. On one side, Edson Barboza, 4th in the lightweight rankings, and one of the greatest knockout artists in the division. From the other, Kevin Lee, 7th in the rankings, and with one of the sharpest takedowns in the lightweight division. However, when they step into the octagon this Saturday, only one will have his arm raised.

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The Brazilian had three victories in a row and was close to a chance at the belt. But the setback Khabib Nurmagomedov – current champion – in December 2017 delayed Barboza’s plans. To try to have a chance at a rematch against the Russian, this time for the title, Edson needs to get past Lee.

“The way is to get back to winning ways. We will only get a chance at the belt when we get some victories. This next fight is the first step, the dream continues and I will continue working very hard to achieve this goal.”, he declared to the press.

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Lee, on the other hand, is trying for another chance to compete for the title. At UFC 216, in October 2017, 'The Motown Phenom' faced Tony Ferguson for the interim title and ended up finalized. The American, who saw how Khabib won the fight against the Brazilian by abusing takedowns, hopes to repeat the feat at UFC Atlantic City.

“I will face the best version of Edson Barboza, better than the one he fought with Khabib. I'm going to give an even bigger beating than the one Khabib gave that kid, then we can have a fight.”, he challenged.

Marreta wants to maintain his rise in the middleweight division

Muppet (photo) faces Branch tonight. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook UFC

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Coming off four consecutive victories, Thiago Marreta wants to continue his rise in the middleweight division. The Brazilian steps into the octagon set up in Atlantic City ready to win his fifth triumph in just 14 months. But to do that, he needs to stop veteran David Branch.

In this Saturday's challenge, the Brazilian will need to avoid falls from the North American, who specializes in wrestling. Shorter, Branch has already proven that he can shorten the distance to exchange short blows in an attempt to take down his opponent.

On the other hand, Marreta has been improving his movement, making life difficult for opponents who try to avoid exchanging blows against him. If he manages to keep the fight going, Marreta has a great chance of winning and climbing into the top-10 of the middleweights.

Luan Chagas seeks winning streak in UFC

The first Brazilian to step into the Octagon, Luan Chagas is trying to maintain his good form in Ultimate. After debuting on the show with a draw and a defeat, the Mato Grosso native beat Jim Wallhead at UFC 213, in June last year. Tonight, against the Afghan, Siyar Bahadurzada, Luan will need to avoid the open exchange of blows and look for the best opportunity to take the fight to the ground and finish.