Anthony Pettis vs. Edson Barboza Slated For UFC 197
Two of the most exciting strikers in mixed martial arts (MMA), former UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis and Edson Barboza were originally scheduled to face off last July, but an injury to Pettis caused the bout to be scrapped.
Well, the two men will now finally meet as the UFC’s Dave Sholler took to twitter to announce the fight for April 23’s UFC 197:
Many of you tweeted asking for Pettis vs. Barboza…DONE DEAL. #UFC197 #JoeSilva
— Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) February 18, 2016
“Showtime”, a man once considered to be the next big thing, has hit some rough times as of late, losing two straight and dealing with multiple injuries.
After surrendering his crown in brutal fashion to Rafael dos Anjos last March, Pettis recently returned at UFC Fight Night 81 last month, dropping a split-decision to former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez.
Barboza has also been off his game so to say, losing two out his last three bouts. He was last seen taking on Tony Ferguson in what was a fantastic back and forth fight last December, but ultimately ended up losing by way of submission.
While Pettis in particular has shown a weakness against top level wrestlers, one could assume that this fight will take place mostly on the feet, and if it does, fans could be in store for a classic showdown.
UFC 197 will be headlined by a light heavyweight grudge match as reigning champion Daniel “DC” Cormier puts his title on the line in a rematch against former champion and current pound-for-pound king Jon “Bones” Jones.
Dominant flyweight champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson will also defend his strap in the co-main event as he squares off with former Olympian Henry “The Messenger” Cejudo.
