In the co-main event of UFC Orlando, we are going to see a battle of veterans in the welterweight division. Former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos (31-14) is moving back up as he takes on “Bam Bam” Bryan Barberena (18-8).
For RDA, he’s coming off a tough knockout loss against Rafael Fiziev back in July. RDA said he wanted one more UFC title run at lightweight and through four rounds, he was right there with one of the best contenders in the division.
However, he got caught flush in the final round with a huge left hook and it put him down. After that loss, he said he just wanted fun fights to finish out his career and Bryan Barberena was a fight that stood out.
Bam Bam is currently riding a three-fight winning streak and he’s starting to stack up wins against some legends of the game. His last two wins came against Matt Brown and former UFC champion Robbie Lawler. Barberena is hoping to add another former champion to his resume tomorrow night.
UFC Orlando Prediction
When Barberena fought Robbie Lawler, we saw Lawler was able to get to him on the feet at first. However, Barberena just kept coming and eventually he caught Robbie Lawler and stopped him. Unfortunately for Barberena, I don’t think RDA will get tired at UFC Orlando.
RDA is going to be the faster fighter and I think he’s the better wrestler. In a three-round fight, there’s a big advantage for the former champion. Now, could Barberena catch him and hurt him? Yeah, he can and that would be his path to victory.
However, I don’t see it happening. I see a very well-rounded attack from RDA and that will lead to a comfortable but relatively close decision win for the former UFC champion.
Prediction: Rafael Dos Anjos by Decision