Edson Barboza Brutalizes Anthony Pettis’ Left Leg In Decision Win
Two highly regarded lightweight strikers did battle at UFC 197. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 155-pound title holder Anthony Pettis (18-5) went toe-to-toe with Edson Barboza (17-4). Both men were looking to put themselves back in the win column.
Barboza’s vicious kicks were the story of this fight.
They met at the center of the Octagon without hesitation. Barboza got in an inside leg kick. Pettis later returned the favor with a hard leg kick of his own. A left hook found the mark for the Brazilian. He landed it again a few seconds later. A spinning back kick to the body connected for Barboza. “Showtime” went for a takedown, but was shoved off. A jumping wheel kick from Pettis was blocked to end the round.
Pettis had his jumping roundhouse kick blocked at the start of round two. “Showtime” was clipped with another left hand. Pettis blocked a high kick. Pettis’ jumping knee was blocked. A right hand found the mark for Pettis, followed by a kick to the body. “Showtime” went for a somersault kick as the round came to a close.
Pettis did a 360 turning side kick right away in the final round. A stiff leg kick sent Pettis to the canvas momentarily. A jab connected for Barboza. A stiff kick from the Brazilian hit Pettis low and time was called briefly. When the action resumed, Barboza landed a lightening fast kick to the body. The inside of Pettis’ left leg saw some nasty bruising. Another left hook landed for Barboza. The final horn sounded as Pettis went for a flying knee.
Unsurprisingly, the judges gave the fight to Barboza.
Final Result: Edson Barboza def. Anthony Pettis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
