In the race for the belt, Edson Barboza faces Justin Gaethje this Saturday at UFC Philadelphia

E. Barboza (left) and J. Gaethje (right) are in the main fight. Photo: Montage SL/MMA Press

The city of Rocky Balboa, famous movie character, will be the stage for the UFC Philadelphia, this Saturday (30). The show features 13 fights and the protagonists of the main fight promise to live up to the famous character from the big screen: The Brazilian Edson Barboza faces the North American Justin gaethje. The duel will be valid in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg.) and the winner must be close to the top 5 in the category.

In addition to Edson, Brazil will have two representatives on the card. In the preliminary program, Marina Rodriguez faces Jessica Aguilar in the women's strawweight division. In the main portion, Sheymon Moraes measures forces with the Nigerian Sodiq Yusuf, fighting in the lightweight category.

PUBLICITY:

O UFC Philadelphia starts at 16:45 pm and will feature broadcast LIVE do SUPER FIGHTS of the first two fights and follow-up REAL TIME of every event.

See too

UFC Philadelphia: Edson Barboza x Justin Gaethje – Results

Edson Barboza and Marina Rodriguez are favorites at UFC Philadelphia; see how to profit from them

After a calm weigh-in, Edson Barboza confirms the main fight of UFC Philadelphia

Edson Barboza x Justin Gaethje

The main fight of UFC Philadelphia promises strong emotions. On the one hand, the technique and knockout power of Edson Barboza, on the other, the incredible resistance and obstinacy of Justin gaethje.

PUBLICITY:

The Brazilian, sixth in the lightweight rankings, still hasn't given up on his dream of seeking the category's belt. A specialist in stand-up fighting and with some beautiful knockouts in his career, Edson expects an intense fight against the North American.

“I know that if he stays in front of me for 25 minutes, there is very little chance of him being able to stay on his feet, but I am prepared for 25 minutes of war,” said the Brazilian.

PUBLICITY:

Edson has 20 wins and six losses as a professional. In his last fight he defeated Dan Hooker, in December. Before that, the athlete from Nova Friburgo, in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, had been surpassed by the Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov, current division champion, and Kevin Lee.

If Barboza is famous for his knockouts, Gaethje gained worldwide recognition for his resistance. The North American, eighth in the category, is capable of withstanding harsh punishment, moving forward and responding to attacks.

“Nobody puts pressure on others like I do. If you want to beat me, you better be willing to die, and I think he (Edson) doesn’t necessarily have that attribute”, said Gaethje, in an interview with the Combate channel website.

PUBLICITY:

'Highlight', as he is known, has a record of 19 wins and just two losses. In his last appearance, he knocked out James Vick in August 2018.

Sheymon Moraes x Sodiq Yusuff

Sheymon (right) faces Yusuff (left). Photo: Reproduction / YouTube

At the opening of the main card, a true stand-up duel should take place. Brazilian Sheymon Moraes faces the Nigerian Sodiq Yusuf.

Sheymon, who has a record of 11 wins and two losses, tries to maintain the good phase of his career. After debuting in Ultimate with a defeat, Zabit Magomedsharipov, in 2017, the Brazilian scored two consecutive victories against Matt Sayles, in August, and Julio Maplein November 2018.

On Saturday night, he will need to get past his rival, who is considered a favorite for the dispute.

“He (Yusuff) is strong, explosive and they think he is stronger than me, that he will beat me easily. And in that I felt challenged… This is a type of fight that, since the time I fought Muay Thai, I really like”, said the Brazilian.

Marina Rodriguez x Jessica Aguilar

Marina (left) faces J. Aguilar (right) this Saturday. Photo: Reproduction / YouTube

First Brazilian to climb into the octagon, Marina Rodriguez tries his first victory in the octagon. The woman from Rio Grande do Sul, who won the contract with Ultimate after going through Contender Series Brasil, the UFC president's program that seeks new talent for the organization, debuted in the octagon with a draw. In its debut, at UFC Sao Paulo, in. September, she tied with Randa markos. She has a record of 10 wins and one draw.

On the other side, she will face off against Jessica Aguilar. The North American, who has a record of 20 wins and seven losses. In her last performance, she was submitted by the Chinese Weili Zhang, in November.