The UFC Fight Night 128 headliner between Edson Barboza and Kevin Lee presents an intriguing clash of styles.
Barboza (19-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) is known primarily for his incredible striking that’s produced some of the sport’s greatest highlight-reel knockouts. Lee (16-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC), who comes from a wrestling background, is considered more well rounded and dangerous if the fight gets to the ground.
Is it more important for Barboza to keep the fight standing than it is for Lee to get it to the ground? That question was asked of retired lightweight veteran Yves Edwards, who serves as a FOX Sports analyst for tonight’s FS1-televised card, during a recent appearance on MMAjunkie Radio.
“It’s way more frustrating for the striker, I believe, to be taken down and molested for 15 minutes and not be able to get in the position that he wants to punch from,” Edwards said. “The grappler, it’s a little less frustrating I believe, because you’re still mobile. You can still move. You still have opportunities to chase and grab. Even if you’re not successful with the takedown, you still have the opportunity to pull guard. … But as a striker, if you can’t get back to your feet, you’re done.”
To hear more from Edwards’ analysis of Barboza vs. Lee, watch the video above.
UFC Fight Night 128 takes place tonight from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., and airs on FS1 following an early prelim on UFC Fight Pass.
For more on UFC Fight Night 128, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
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