UFC Philadelphia ended as expected, with a blistering main event between Justin Gaethje and Edson Barboza, lasting just halfway through one round.
Justin Gaethje is easily the most exciting fighter in the UFC. After defending his WSOF title six times and going 18-0, Gaethje made his long-awaited debut in the Octagon. He started his run with three Fight of the Night bonuses, defeating Michael Johnson but falling to both Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier. The former All-American wrestler bounced back with a huge first-round knockout against James Vick in his last appearance.
Edson Barboza arguably has the most dangerous legs in the UFC, with three leg kick stoppages, one body kick TKO, a head kick knockout, and a pair of flying knee KOs in his career. Barboza is 14-6 in his Octagon career but has not been able to chain enough wins together to earn a title shot. After a three-fight win streak was cut off by losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kevin Lee, Barboza put together a masterful striking performance against Dan Hooker to get back in the win column.
Justin Gaethje started the first round quickly, landing the first two leg kicks of the fight. Barboza began throwing some thunderous kicks of his own, and landing some great shots. However, Gaethje landed a nice right hook that hurt Barboza, Barboza would soon recover and clinch. However, once out of the clinch, the two began brawling, as Barboza was getting out of an exchange, he got caught with a leaping right hook and got put out cold! What a fight.
WE TOLD YOU THIS FIGHT WOULDN'T DISAPPOINT!@Justin_Gaethje puts Barboza away in round 1! #UFCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/WD40HcctN9
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2019
It only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was a whirlwind of a main event. Justin Gaethje now has back-to-back knockout wins over top 10 lightweights and is back in title discussions after his two consecutive losses.
Justin Gaethje def. Edson Barboza by KO (Right Hook) in Round 1 (2:30)
