UFC 128 Preview: The Prelims

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Lightweights
Anthony Njokuani vs. Edson Barboza Jr.

The Matchup: WEC vet Njokuani makes his promotion debut against Barboza, whose first Octagon appearance against Mike Lullo was a breakout one. The undefeated Barboza is a tall 155-pounder at 5-foot-11, yet possess a lithe, muscle frame, delivering strikes with punishing effect. The onslaught of leg kicks he used to beat Lullo at UFC 123, essentially forcing him to quit after destroying his wheels, was a glimpse into what will be a dangerous force in the division for years to come.

Njokuani is a live one, however, and his striking ability has carried him to stoppage wins over some durable and dangerous foes, from Bart Palaszewski to Muhsin Corbbrey.

Barboza, plainly put, is on another level compared to most lightweight strikers, whose approach to the game often consists of cumulative damage to set up a stoppage later or lock down a decision.

Barboza kicks with the speed of a little guy but connects with the destructive, tail-end power of the heavier weight classes. The kicks come with little forewarning, as he simply explodes, digging high-explosive blows into your shin, knee or thigh. His ground game is an unknown commodity at this level, but considering he is Brazilian, one has to figure he can hang on the mat -- if anyone can pay the price to cross the moat and get him there.

Given their styles, Njokuani’s going to have to win a striking match, as Barboza’s upper-body strength and athleticism figure to make him a tough guy to plant on the mat. That is when a firefight begins. Barboza will find his spots and explode through them, delivering wicked kicks and numbing punches, as he forces Njokuani to go on the defensive to survive. Barboza seemed laconic in spots in his three-round dissection of Lullo, content to wait in sequence prior to stepping up the punishment.

This is a great matchup for Barboza, who will likely emerge as one of the UFC’s Top 10 lightweights in two or three fights. He is that good and a definite threat to everyone in the division given a little more experience. There are rare athletes that both possess these gifts and have the willingness to develop them, and he appears to be that kind of fighter.

The Pick: Barboza via KO in two, after he runs a clinic on muay Thai and low kicks.

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