With Myles Jury out on account of an undisclosed injury, Paul Felder has been picked to take his sport and will face Edson Barboza at UFC on FOX 16 next month. The change was made official Tuesday.
This practically overhauls the original match-up.
In the original card, it was supposed to be a face-off between Jury and Anthony Pettis. Unfortunately, Pettis suffered an elbow injury and that resulted in Barboza stepping in to take his place.
With Jury suffering from a mysterious injury as well, he knows steps aside too and gives Felder a golden opportunity to show his stuff and get the chance to potentially elevate him in the rankings. Felder is unranked at the moment.
Felder is undefeated in ten fights but it will be interesting to see how he holds up against Barboza who is ranked 7th.
Barboza is a dangerous adversary and is looking to get back on track after suffering a stinging unanimous decision loss to Michael Johnson during UFC Fight Night 61 back in February.
Considered one of the rising stars in the UFC today, Felder trains alongside Donald Cerrone who ironically handed Barboza a loss before his two-game win streak.
The Brazilian striker has been known for his aggressive Muay Thai attacks which include leg kicks which have been lethal enough to finish two previous opponents. But aside from that, Barboza is looking to rebound after a loss, making him a dangerous person to deal with.
Federer may want to review Barboza’s last fight and try to figure out how to top Barboza.
Known for his aggressive attacks, the best way perhaps for Felder to resort to is leave minimal (to none mistakes). Barboza is expected to strike hard but Johnson was somehow able to offset that with applied pressure. It will be recalled that Johnsons’ volume application of pressure was seen something that awarded him the victory.
Known as the Irish Dragon, Felder may want to think twice and be wary of being too aggressive since such would be something Barboza will want. He may want to stick to the grapples and measure Barboza properly and try to wear down the Brazilian fighter.
Being young and promising, Felder is expected to go on the offensive. However against Barboza, that could be a death sentence since Barboza may likely oblige with his punishing kicks.
Will Felder keep his unblemished record or will Barboza rebound successfully when the two lightweights face up.
UFC on Fox 16 is set for July 25 at the United Center in Chicago which will be headlined by the bantamweight title match between T.J. Dillashaw and Renan Barao. Don’t miss it.
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