Key Stats: 13 knockdowns landed (tied-8th all-time), 3.98 strikes landed per minute, 60% striking defense
What It Means: One of the most devastating kickers on the roster, Edson Barboza is dynamic and explosive on the feet. His leg kicks are powerful, and his switch kick to the body is as fast and strong as they come. His hands are also smooth and perhaps underrated, but when Barboza uncorks a kick, it’s best to get out of the way.
What to Look For in the Fight: Burgos is going to swarm everyone he fights, and it’s particularly important to do so against Barboza to mitigate his kicking game a bit. That said, Burgos can’t mindlessly maraud and walk into one of Barboza’s fast combinations. How Barboza weathers that pressure is key, and he could use an early flurry of leg kicks to slow Burgos’ forward movement down a bit.
*Not enough fights in current weight class to qualify in UFC Record Book
