UFC 123 Preview: The Prelims

Lightweights
Edson Mendes Barboza Jr. vs. Mike Lullo

The Matchup: Two UFC first-timers in the 155-pound division meet in this one. Lullo replaced the injured Darren Elkins on short notice, which is a helluva way to get one’s foot in the door. Barboza wields potent muay Thai skills with aggression to spare. Almost all Octagon rookies experience some sort of adrenaline dump when they step in there for their debuts. With both guys dealing with the stress at the same time, it should be interesting.

That said, Barboza will look to keep it on the feet or in safe positions on the ground, pounding away from the top. At 5-foot-11, he is impressively big for a lightweight, packing muscle on to a long frame and looking more like a welterweight. He also can kick effectively with either leg, with slam-bang quickness.

Lullo has rebounded from a pair of decision losses in his first two bouts, putting together a streak of eight consecutive wins. That’s the kind of trait you like to see in a fighter, showing pluck and willingness to improve. He seems to have a decent submission game, as well. This is a short-notice fight, however, and the mental adjustments required for a UFC greenhorn are as taxing as the physical preparation, if not more so.

The Pick: Since Barboza has had more lead time to make those adjustments, he becomes the pick here. Barboza by second-round stoppage.