Paul Felder and Edson Barboza’s rematch was as advertised at UFC 242. The two strikers went to battle and Felder took home a split decision.
Edson Barboza and Paul Felder fought four years ago with Barboza taking home a fight of the night. Coming into UFC 242, Barboza has lost three of four, and Felder has won four straight at 155-pounds.
Edson Barboza fired away with a leg kick that Felder countered with a spinning backfist. That sequence happened again, then they clashed with an exchange of punches. One caught Paul Felder flush, and he clinched up with Barboza briefly. Barboza fired away with quick leg kicks after they separated. An accidental headbutt cut Felder open, and action was paused as a result.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Barboza
Felder caught Barboza with a left hand early then checked a leg kick after getting nailed in the body. Barboza surprised his opponent by shooting for a takedown and landing it. Felder stayed active on his back, elbowing Barboza and cutting him open. Felder went for an armbar, but Barboza defended effectively. A counter left landed for Barboza, then a two punch combo connected for Felder. Felder pushed forward and got Barboza against the cage. He went for a single-leg takedown but couldn’t finish it off. He also went for a double leg soon after that Barboza defended.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Felder
Felder started the final round with a jab then ate a body kick. Felder was pushing the pace as Barboza’s attacks came fewer and farther between. A combination landed for Felder, but Barboza was committed to the counter, hitting Felder with a nice right hand. A combination landed for Felder, then a spinning backfist for Barboza. Felder continued to move forward, landing left hands over the top at the end of combinations. Felder thwarted a takedown attempt by pushing Barboza against the fence. Barboza reversed position and landed a brief takedown at the end of the round.
OOOOOH!
The spinning backfist lands for @EdsonBarbozaJR but @FelderPaul just EATS IT! #UFC242 pic.twitter.com/Vza1yRRjdn
— UFC (@ufc) September 7, 2019
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Felder (29-28 Felder)
Paul Felder def. Edson Barboza by Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 27-30)
