UFC 134 Preview: The Main Card

Can Ross Pearson be the first man to blemish Edson Barboza's record? | Photo: Dave Mandel

The Matchup: Barboza’s stock has been on a steady rise since his leg-kick massacre promotional debut against Mike Lullo at UFC 123. The deadly Brazilian reminds many of featherweight king Jose Aldo, as he delivers shots with thudding power and no telegraphed movement. Barboza eked out a unanimous decision in his last fight over talented striker Anthony Njokuani at UFC 128, the route-going effort resulting in his first long, competitive match.

Pearson has proven a reliable, U.K.-based plugger, with a willing standup style and strong punches. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 9 winner rebounded from a submission loss to American Top Team’s Cole Miller with a decision over Spencer Fisher in February. Pearson’s ground game may be the hole in his arsenal, but his standup and toughness have carried him to a 4-1 mark in the UFC.

Pearson will not initiate a ground battle and would not win one if he tried, as Barboza wields decent takedown defense and excellent jiu-jitsu. This becomes a case of a two-fisted slugger pitted against a dangerous bomber -- the perfect fight for Barboza to showcase his explosiveness.

The Pick: Barboza will pick apart Pearson with strikes, movement and angles, and his right-leg blast to the thigh remains an especially lethal weapon with which to set up strikes to the head. Barboza wins by first-round knockout.

Next Fight: Luiz Cane vs. Stanislav Nedkov