Edson Barboza made a big splash in his 2010 UFC debut with a dominant win over Mike Lullo, and has since edged striking wars with Anthony Njokuani and Ross Pearson to remain undefeated in the UFC and overall. Barboza is one of the few actual strikers in the division, and the UFC would love nothing more to be able to push a fighter like him.
Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim Betting Odds;
Terry Etim entered the UFC as part of its European expansion, and garnered very little hype. It’s unclear when the perception shifted, but after three straight finishes as part of a four fight win streak, Etim started getting followers. Unfortunately, Etim would be derailed by Rafael dos Anjos, and spent a lot of time on the sidelines due to injury. However over a year later Etim finally made his return where he quickly finished Edward Faalaloto in 17 seconds.
I like Barboza as much as the next guy, but the hype seems to be a little out of control. Striking wise, Barboza barely beat Pearson and Njokuani, and Pearson didn’t look so hot in his featherweight debut against Assuncao. Further, Etim’s outstruck all of his UFC opponents, and I haven’t seen much reason to suggest Barboza will hold a big striking advantage, if one at all.
Grappling-wise, the advantage has to go to Etim. Lullo is the only fighter in the UFC who has actually attempted to take Barboza down, and stuffing Lullo’s takedowns does absolutely nothing for Barboza’s stock. Etim hasn’t exactly shown himself to be an elite level wrestler by any means, however I still consider it within the realm of possibilities that Etim finds a way to get this to the ground and finishes it there.
Ultimately, regardless of Etim’s grappling advantage, I still think this will play out as a technical striking battle, however I have seen nothing to suggest either fighter will have an edge anywhere. Both have shown technical ability, both have shown power, and neither has ever shown issues with their chin. If there is an advantage to be given somewhere though, it’s Etim’s size, as Barboza could probably make the featherweight class with little difficulty.
The Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim betting prediction is that the two engage in a striking battle with Etim edging it, and at the (completely ridiculous) +250 price, a moderate sized bet has to be warranted on Etim. At worst this is a 50/50 fight, and I have no idea what the books and public are thinking by having Barboza as such a favorite. He absolutely has a ton of ways to win this, and oustriking Njokuani isn’t easy, but Etim is more than arguably his toughest opponent to date, and can threaten him standing and on the ground. I honestly haven’t been this confused by a line in a while.
Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim Betting Conclusion: I expect a close striking battle and really don’t know who’s going to win, which is why a moderate sized play is warranted on the +250 Etim line.
Current Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim Odds;
