MMA

Edson Barboza Moves Closer to Lightweight Title Shot After Impressive Win Over Gilbert Melendez

MMA


Black belt tae-kwon-do fighter Edson Barboza now has a pro record of 18-4-0. After this clinical victory he should be close to a title shot for the UFC lightweight belt.




The Brazilian wrecking machine put Gilbert Melendez under great pressure with precise leg kicks and dominated his space in the octagon. Melendez had nowhere to hide as Barboza chased him down in a very calm and professional manor.

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Gilbert Melendez, the former Strikeforce lightweight champion was fighting for the first time in over a year. This maybe showed in his performance tonight.

But that’s not taking anything away from Barboza, who started this bout tonight as the no.6 ranked lightweight.

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This fight kicked off at a fantastic pace, both fighters came to fight and we’re looking at dominating early.

Where Melendez was unsuccessful in his early take down attempts, Barboza unleashed many leg kicks, similar kicks that have stopped two men in the octagon in the past. Melendez once again showed just how tough he is, taking such leg kicks and still continuing to move forward.

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It wasn’t just the leg kicks that was doing the damage, Barboza was landing some massive punches as well. Melendez landed several big shots of his own, but early on you could start to see Barboza taking control.

The leg kicks from Barboza continued into the second part of the fight, even though Melendez landed a big right hand, Barboza kept to his game plan.

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Barboza defeated Melendez via unanimous decision and moves closer to a title shot against his team-mate Eddie Alvarez.


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