Edson Barboza looked like his old self in the co-main event of UFC Fight Island 5, outstriking Makwan Amirkhani on his way to a decision victory.
Edson Barboza was facing a short-notice opponent in Makwan Amirkhani, who was replacing Sodiq Yusuff at UFC Fight Island 5. Barboza is known as one of the best strikers around, but has come on hard times, losing five of his last six. He tried to change his fortunes by moving down to featherweight, but ended up losing a controversial split decision to Dan Ige.
Amirkhani has slowly but surely put together a nice UFC career. Entering the promotion in 2015, he had racked up a 6-2 record in the Octagon. He’s been picking up his fight frequency, as this will be his fourth since the start of 2019.
Amirkhani sprinted to the center, as could be expected, but then took a more patient approach than normal. The first half of the round was pretty slim on action as Amirkhani pumped the jab and Barboza looked for leg kicks. Barboza sprawled on the first takedown attempt quickly, and scampered away. Amirkhani caught a kick with just seconds left and wind up with the takedown he was looking for. With little doing in the round, it may have swayed a judge in a close round.
More jabs from Amirkhani and kicks from Barboza dot the first few minutes of the second round. Halfway though the round Barboza landed the right and dropped Amirkhani. As he dove in, Barboza looked to wrap up Amirkhani’s signature d’arce choke. He was never close and Amirkhani got to his feet. As Amirkhani reached his feet, he immediately shot for a takedown and got stuffed yet again. Barboza dropped him yet again and looked again for the choke. The round ended looking much more clear for Barboza.
Barboza lands CLEAN! 👊
Featherweights are swinging through 2️⃣.
[ #UFCFightIsland5 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/KVKhy9PRQB
— UFC (@ufc) October 11, 2020
Knowing he may be down, Amirkhani came out hard in the third. Less than a minute in, he managed to pin Barboza against the cage and scored a takedown. He enjoyed some control from guard and some light work, but ultimately the referee had had enough of it with a minute to go and stood them up. Barboza got the best of the late exchanges and the fight ends with both raising their arms well before the bell.
AGAIN! @EdsonBarbozaJR keeps hitting his target! 🎯
[ Co-main on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/X2accrNmta
— UFC (@ufc) October 11, 2020
Edson Barboza def. Makwan Amirkhani by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)
