Barboza Does It Again, Delivers Highlight Reel Flying Knee KO

Edson Barboza and Beneil Dariush may be the most intriguing fights on the card as the striker in Barboza hopes to catch the grappler Dariush off guard quick. Both lightweight fighters have their eyes on the UFC Lightweight Championship and a win tonight could get them one step closer in a division that is suffering such a serious log jam.

Both fighters threw caution to the wind early on, landing massive blows in the opening minutes. The feeling out process was completely skipped and Dariush was willing to stand and bang with Barboza who held back on the kicks, relying heavily on his punches. Dariush tried to back Barboza up against the fence of the octagon but the Brazilian spun out with ease, making it back to the center.

Dariush shot in for a takedown but was shrugged off with ease with just under two minutes remaining. Dariush did not let that affect him, however, as he popped right back up and cracked Barboza with an overhand right. Barboza started to get outworked before he turned up the pace again, starting to attack Dariush’s body just before the round ended.

Barboza continued the attack on the body of Dariush who pushed through the punishment to land his straight jabs. The fight was a close affair with both fighters landing their fair share of significant strikes; Barboza targeted the body of Dariush while Dariush headhunted Barboza.

Barboza stuffed a Dariush takedown with a massive jumping knee and knocked him out COLD.

Edson Barboza def. Beniel Dariush by way of KO (Knee) 3:35 of Round 2