Barboza vs. Melendez

This is the official discussion thread for Barboza vs. Melendez. Let's see what you've got.

Expected for Chicago.

..and I expect Barboza to win.

this has el Niño writen all over it, this is the kind of fight that makes him look good.

Melendez, kind of like Joe Lauzon, seems to have lost that "wild man" x-factor that earned Melendez his hurricane referencing nickname.  A few years ago I would have been positive that Edson would wilt under Melendez' frenetic pressure. Now, Edson probably wins a close decision. 

Melendez is past is prime, this fight doesent make a lot of sens...

The return of Giblert.

I seriously thought Melendez was already with Bellator, I guess that is just his wife.

He'll probably be there pretty soon though, back to back losses with a steroid suspension in between isn't a great look.

I think gil will want to shoot early and often, but to no avail. He's not gonna win a kickboxing fight with barboza.

R

Melendez has a reaching overhand right, and i think he can find Barboza's chin.


I believe he needs a knockout to win though. Barboza is more likely to win a decision.

* Edited at 07.23.2016, 4:07 AM ET *

Just glad to Melendez back myself. I heard someone saying that Melendez hasn't done very well in the UFC going only 1-3 and there's no way they would pick him over Boza. If you look at those 3 losses he lost a Split to Current Champ Alvarez which was such a let down because of the high altitude and IIRC he did win the 1st Round and was gassed out as were a lot of the fighters that right. He lost another close, controversial Decision to then Current Champ Benson Henderson. A lot of folks scored that for Melendez. I still think he could've beaten Pettis too. But thats a could've, would've, should've thing so I won't go there. Now Boza is 2-2 in his last 4 fights and everyone's talking about how he's on fire but one of those 2 losses where to Michael Johnson, who's now considered to be in a slump, even though he was a victim of a poor Decision against Dariush. All that aside I think Melendez actual money value is great since he's nearly a 2:1 underdog or at least was. He's fought better fighters than Barboza as well but the time off  between fights could play factor. All that aside I think Melendez is being overlooked a little and I find it hard to believe only 25% are picking him. I hope I don't eat my words but Melendez wins a war tonight.

Low kicks by Barboza... vs... pressure/in-fighting/takedown by Melendez

Effective lrg kicks.