Edson Barboza Outguns Paul Felder On Way To Unanimous Decision
Having gone 2-2 in his last four bouts, Edson Barboza (16-3) hoped to get back on track when he met Paul Felder (10-1) at UFC on FOX 16. Doing so would mean “The Irish Dragon’s” undefeated record would be no more.
The zero is no longer.
Felder missed a leg kick early. Barboza landed a straight right hand to the body. The Brazilian’s eye swelled up early. The Brazilian landed two vicious body kicks. He missed a high kick and Felder went for a spinning back fist, but whiffed. He stepped in and went for a spinning elbow, but did not connect.
Barboza connected with a punch to the body. He landed a spinning kick right to the groin of Felder. The fight resumed shortly after. Barboza landed an inside leg kick followed by a switch kick to the body. “The Irish Dragon” missed a spinning heel kick. Felder landed a knee and the first round ended 11 seconds later.
The second round began and immediately Barboza landed a leg kick followed by a spinning kick to the body. Felder kept trying to land his spinning back fist. They threw kicks simultaneously with Felder getting the better of it. Barboza missed a left and a right hook. “The Irish Dragon” blocked a lightening fast high kick. The Brazilian landed a heel kick to the back of Felder. A knee landed for Felder with a few seconds to go. A thudding body kick connected for Barboza at the end of round two.
The final round was underway and Felder failed to land his own spin kick. Barboza landed a body kick as Felder went for an uppercut. Barboza hit a body kick as Felder missed a spinning back fist. A stinging jab landed for Barboza followed by a leg kick. “The Irish Dragon” missed a lunging knee. “The Irish Dragon” ducked a head kick and landed an elbow to the head.
A lump formed under the left eye of Felder with about 90 seconds left in the fight. Felder missed an axe kick and pushed his opponent towards the fence. Barboza broke free and the final horn sounded.
All three judges were in favor of the Brazilian two rounds to one.
Final Result: Edson Barboza def. Paul Felder via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
