UFC on ESPN 2: Barboza vs Gaethje Prediction and Info Thread

[tokeweed]

Date: Saturday, March 30
Preliminary Card (ESPN+): 22:30 BCT / 2:30pm PST / 5:30pm EST
Preliminary Card (ESPN): 00:00 BCT / 4pm PST / 7pm EST
Main Card (ESPN): 2:00 BCT / 6pm PST / 9pm EST
Live Streams: http://www.fìrstrow.eu/




Main Card (ESPN)

Edson Barboza (20-6) vs. Justin Gaethje (19-2) (Lightweight)
David Branch (22-5) vs. Jack Hermansson (18-4) (Middleweight)
Josh Emmett (13-2) vs. Michael Johnson (19-13) (Featherweight)
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-3) vs. Michelle Waterson (16-6) (Women's Strawweight)
Paul Craig (10-3) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-0) (Light Heavyweight)
Sheymon Moraes (11-2) vs. Sodiq Yusuff (8-1) (Featherweight)

Preliminary Card (ESPN)

Ross Pearson (20-15) vs. Desmond Green (21-8) (Lightweight)
Enrique Barzola (15-3-1) vs. Kevin Aguilar (16-1) (Featherweight)
Kevin Holland (13-4) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (28-10) (Middleweight)
Jessica Aguilar (20-7) vs. Marina Rodriguez (10-0-1) (Strawweight)

Preliminary Card (ESPN+)

Ray Borg (11-3) vs. Kyler Phillips (6-1) (Bantamweight)
Maryna Moroz (8-3) vs. Sabina Mazo (6-0) (Women's Flyweight)
Alex Perez (21-5) vs. Mark De La Rosa (11-1) (Bantamweight)

Other

- A strawweight bout between Alexa Grasso and Marina Rodriguez was scheduled at UFC Fight Night: Assuncao vs. Moraes 2. However, it was reported on December 17, that Rodriguez pulled out of the event due to a hand injury. The pairing was left intact and rescheduled for this event. In turn, it was reported that Grasso was pulled from the bout due to injury and she was replaced by Jessica Aguilar on March 23.

- A bantamweight bout between former UFC Flyweight Championship challenger Ray Borg and Pingyuan Liu was scheduled to take place at the event. However, it was reported on March 13, that Liu was replaced by newcomer Kyler Phillips for an undisclosed reason.

Thanks to the Puertorican for letting me use this content.

[alisafidel58]

Barboza vs Gaethje is a good bout to watch, well they both come from a K.O win but I think Gaethje got this fight.

[TopTort777]

I have noticed, that it is becoming common to put a women fight on on the main card.
Few years ago women in ufc were something new, now almost every event has 1-2 fights.

[eaLiTy]

I have noticed, that it is becoming common to put a women fight on on the main card.
Few years ago women in ufc were something new, now almost every event has 1-2 fights.

There were not much opportunities for women earlier but now they have plenty of options with every small organizations started allowing women fights and more women are coming into MMA and so is the reason you see more fighters but only a few are world class fighters but in the future things will change, the past champions were great in their respected sport until they shifted their focus to MMA and now we will see a new breed of fighters with mixed skill set like Valentina.

Barboza v Gaethje is a full on brawl without a doubt and Gaethje will march forward no matter what and i doubt Barboza will get the timing and distance to land his trademark kicks, someone will fall in the end for sure, never a boring fight when Gaethje is fighting, he is a good wrestler but never tried his basics inside the cage which is madness.

[Hydrogen]

Notes.

-This will be Ray Borg's first fight moving up to 135 lbs. Ray Borg being around 5 foot 4 his opponent could have around 4 inches on him, standing at 5 foot 8. While initial odds are in Ray Borg's favor they could reverse later once the new weight division and size advantage of Ray Borg's opponent become more known.

-Both Justin Gaethje and Edson Barboza are known for unleashing powerful leg kicks to open fights. Neither is known to shoot for takedowns or go to the ground. The main event could be described as a king of the leg kickers contest.

-Jessica Aguilar is 36. David Branch is 37. Both could be nearing the end of their careers, respectively. Neither has looked good of late.

-Team Alpha Male has been on a losing streak of late. Not certain if it will affect Josh Emmett. If Emmett loses, it would be the latest in a long series of L's for T.A.M.

-This relates to Desmond Green:

Fatal five-car crash accident

Green was involved in a car accident in early morning of August 18, 2018 in Florida, when he lost control of his SUV and veered toward a tractor-trailer, resulting in a five-car crash which killed two people. Green suffered only minor injuries in the accident.[33][34] Green involved in a minor accident two weeks prior to this five-car crash accident where he cited driving with a suspended license and no proof of insurance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Green#Personal_life

Not certain if a negative pattern was forming here late last year but it is possible he's having personal issues which could affect his fighting career.

[tokeweed]

A couple of videos to watch and see what these guys are made of.    Barboza's prolly gonna win but I'm leaning towards Gaethje.  It feels like Gaethje's constant pressure could be too much and could neutralize Barboza's kicks.

Enjoy.

UFC on ESPN 2:  Free Fight - Barboza vs Dariush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-wgTk6cgb4

UFC on ESPN 2:  Free Fight - Gaethje vs Vick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRpMM4Wat8c

[YuginKadoya]

In my opinion, this will be a pretty astonishing bout both players have a lower body strength that each opponent should watch out for, Justin Gaethje is a Wrestler so submissions are just like a walk in the park and he obviously has potential in countering it, But Edson Barboza doesn't likely to use a submission against his opponent I should say Gaethje should watch out for Barboza's explosive knee kicks and roundhouse kicks that apparently will knock him out and because of Barboza had the upper hand with the reach but apparently this match will be stunning, I have a second thought of who would I pick but I will go with Barboza because I am seeing some intimidation on him than on Gaethje.

[btc_angela]

Barboza vs Gaethje is a good bout to watch, well they both come from a K.O win but I think Gaethje got this fight.

Yeah, both of them have been in wars for years, but I think Gaethje  is more strong mentally though, I see Barboza easily gave up when he is overwhelmed, but Gaethje seems to fight back when his back is against the wall.

[mich]

I think some value in "human punching bag" at plus money.
Hes never in a a bad fight and certifiably brings it each time!
Hate to acknowledge the man by that name but its how hes mentioned in the media.

[nydiacaskey01]

At first the two head liners doesn't ring a bell for me but upon looking at the fight stats of this two Barboza and Gaethje and most specially Gaethje, both striking percentage is above 50% and Gaethje take down attempts is only 1 but KO finishes is at 16 out of 19. I'm looking forward for a slug fest this coming Saturday.

[bbc.reporter]

I have noticed, that it is becoming common to put a women fight on on the main card.
Few years ago women in ufc were something new, now almost every event has 1-2 fights.

Some women fights are more watchable than men fights unsurprisingly if the girls fighting are 2 beautiful women hehehe.



In any case, I reckon Karolina is the real karate hottie, but I predict Michelle Waterson will win this, however. She has improved her clinching where it showed during her fight vs Felice Herrig.

[Sithara007]

I have noticed, that it is becoming common to put a women fight on on the main card.
Few years ago women in ufc were something new, now almost every event has 1-2 fights.

Some women fights are more watchable than men fights unsurprisingly if the girls fighting are 2 beautiful women hehehe.

Both are 33 years old and nearing the end of their career. IMO, the best lady out there is Maryna Moroz of Ukraine. She recently lost to Angela Hill in a very keenly contested match (unanimous decision after 3rd round), but her performance was awesome.

[tokeweed]

I hope there's a 2.5 under line with decent odds open somewhere mear the day of the event cos these guys look like they're gonna go at each other from the start. 

UFC on ESPN 2:  Barboza vs Gaethje - Striking at its Finest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR6xD7SsQz4

[nydiacaskey01]

I hope there's a 2.5 under line with decent odds open somewhere mear the day of the event cos these guys look like they're gonna go at each other from the start. 

Here are the odds from Nitrogensports.eu

Edson Barboza (-129) vs. Justin Gaethje (+115)
David Branch (+105) vs. Jack Hermansson (-118)
Josh Emmett (-106) vs. Michael Johnson (-106)
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (-151) vs. Michelle Waterson (+133)
Paul Craig (+172) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (-196)
Sheymon Moraes (+125) vs. Sodiq Yusuff (-141)

Look at the odds given at the fight between Josh Emmett and Michael Johnson.
Surprised with the odds given to Edson Barboza and Justin Gaethje.

[bbc.reporter]

I have noticed, that it is becoming common to put a women fight on on the main card.
Few years ago women in ufc were something new, now almost every event has 1-2 fights.

Some women fights are more watchable than men fights unsurprisingly if the girls fighting are 2 beautiful women hehehe.

Both are 33 years old and nearing the end of their career. IMO, the best lady out there is Maryna Moroz of Ukraine. She recently lost to Angela Hill in a very keenly contested match (unanimous decision after 3rd round), but her performance was awesome.

33 years old but looking better than most 18 year olds hehehehe. Certainly in this modern time of fast food, tv entertainment and video games.

Also, Conor has announced his retirement from MMA.

Read in full https://www.mmanews.com/conor-mcgregor-announces-his-retirement-from-mma-again/

[Zadicar]

I have noticed, that it is becoming common to put a women fight on on the main card.
Few years ago women in ufc were something new, now almost every event has 1-2 fights.

Some women fights are more watchable than men fights unsurprisingly if the girls fighting are 2 beautiful women hehehe.

Both are 33 years old and nearing the end of their career. IMO, the best lady out there is Maryna Moroz of Ukraine. She recently lost to Angela Hill in a very keenly contested match (unanimous decision after 3rd round), but her performance was awesome.

33 years old but looking better than most 18 year olds hehehehe. Certainly in this modern time of fast food, tv entertainment and video games.

Also, Conor has announced his retirement from MMA.

Read in full https://www.mmanews.com/conor-mcgregor-announces-his-retirement-from-mma-again/

By the looks of their body, they look young due to their constant training. Anyway, most models nowadays who look young were above their 20s or 30s but still kicking ass with their beauty and most especially to the ones who can fight inside the ring.

And for Conor, finally, he's planning to end his career and it seems that after his last fight he stopped since it would bring chaos to both of them.

[bbc.reporter]

@Zadicar. I reckon it might be something similar to what Floyd Mayweather is doing. He comes out of retirement only if the money offered is high enough for him.

[aioc]

Barboza vs Gaethje is a good bout to watch, well they both come from a K.O win but I think Gaethje got this fight.

Gaethje has a great punch I watched his fight against Vicks several times https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TfsiEOyvJo and the guy really packs a wallop, such devastating one punch and it took Vicks several times, to realize that he has been knock out, I expect to see Gaethje to do this again my bet is on Gaethje.

[tokeweed]

^  Yup.  But Barboza could f*ck him up with body shots tho...  But yeah, still leaning on Gaethje cos the odds on seem value.

[Sithara007]

Also, Conor has announced his retirement from MMA.

Read in full https://www.mmanews.com/conor-mcgregor-announces-his-retirement-from-mma-again/

He was not very happy with UFC. And to tell the truth, he wasn't given fair treatment by the UFC (probably because he was non-American). But that is no valid reason to stay out of MMA altogether. There are other brands out there, such as Bellator and DREAM. But the financials may not be as strong as UFC.