In the main card of the UFC 272: Covington vs Masvidal, the Brazilian fighter Edson Barboza takes on the American native Bryce ‘Thug Nasty’ Mitchell in a featherweight showdown.
Edson Barboza will look to return to the win column after falling to Giga Chikadze in his last outing. Prior to that setback, Barboza had rattled off two straight wins including an impressive knockout over Shane Burgos.
As for Bryce Mitchell he will look to stay undefeated in his career, which includes five consecutive wins in the UFC. The featherweight prospect is on the rise after earning wins over Andre Fili and Charles Rosa in his recent fights.
Edson Barboza vs Bryce Mitchell Stats
Edson Barboza
Win/Losses: 22/10
Height/Reach: 5 ft 11 inches/ 75 inches
Stance: Orthodox
Bryce Mitchell
Win/Losses: 14/1
Height/Reach: 5 ft 10 inches/ 70 inches
Stance: Southpaw
Edson Barboza vs Bryce Mitchell Fight Breakdown and Prediction
Edson Barboza’s career is one of the best highlight reels in the game. He is an elite striker who can knock anyone out cold in an instant. Barboza is also known for his leg work and is one of the best in the sport thanks to a kickboxing background.
Bryce Mitchell is a strong and smothering wrestler. Offensively, on the feet he has a solid jab that allows him to move forward and find a range to work in. And because of his insane ground ability, Mitchell is happy to shoot for a takedown if the opportunity arises.
Can the ‘Thug Nasty’ outwrestle Edson Barboza?
Mitchell is a quality wrestler and even better jiu-jitsu player. What really separates Mitchell from the pack of Featherweight grapplers is his ability to force opponents to play his game once the grappling starts, it’s really tough to disengage from “Thug Nasty.” The game plan for Bryce Mitchell could not be more clear here. He has to press Barboza and force him to wrestle constantly.
Edson Barboza’s Striking- The key for his victory?
Barboza is an electric striker, one of the most volatile kickers in the UFC. Despite his struggles with pressure wrestling, Barboza is generally a very difficult man to takedown only special fighters have grounded him consistently. Barboza needs to utilize his 5 inch reach advantage for his benefit and attack on the body of Mitchell. The kicks could slow down the American and could be the roadway for victory to Barboza.
