UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux – Idiot’s Guide Preview to Anthony Pettis vs Edson Barboza

One of the most anticipated lightweight clash of styles ignites the barn this April 23, 2016 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Match Up

Lightweight Anthony Pettis 18-4 vs.Edson Barboza 16-4

The Odds

LightweightAnthony Pettis -175 vs.Edson Barboza +165

3 Things You Need to Know

1. Pettis is a long way from that Wheaties Cereal Box home.

Pettis’ struggles, I would argue, can be traced all the way back to his fight with Gilbert Melendez. In that bout, he made no adjustments to Melendez’ plan to throw combinations in order to transition into a takedown. I mean, he did, but the adjustment seemed by accident. Two losses since, and early UFC struggles against fighters like Clay Guida and Jeremy Stephens paint the picture of a fighter who projects to struggle further. Is it doom and gloom for Pettis in the UFC? Because these fights aren’t getting easier.

2. Barboza lost his last fight but you better believe he wants this fight.

Barboza’s career shares some similarities with Pettis’. Like Pettis in the WEC, Barboza debuted to a scintillating storm of action packed fights. Then the Jamie Varner fight happened. He’s since been fairly consistent, only losing to elite fighters (save for Johnson, who has elite …

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