the right roundhouse kick to overhand right. When he is being pushed backward Barboza will almost always respond by swinging his right hand at the opponent. It's a pretty minimalist fighting style, but it works against the majority of his opponents the majority of the time.

When he is against an opponent who will check his kicks or will simply not move back and allow him to land his punishing low kicks on a lightened lead leg, Barboza will use the right middle kick to right hook or straight. This is a pretty simple, but confusing tactic and is often used by the great knockout artist Melvin Manhoef. The punch coming off of the same side as the kick is unexpected and can confuse many opponents - Barboza wasthere Barboza was able to edge ahead on the cards with uncharacteristic punch variety - but his inability to fight while moving backwards has been exposed on several occasions now. Jamie Varner ate a good few low kicks but stepped in as Barboza stepped in to punch and was able to get the better of him there as well.

Edson Barboza has the physical ability and razzle dazzle to become a fan favorite on the main card of pay per views, but to do so he must round out his game and either be willing to use the clinch more readily or develop the boxing acumen and technique to fight his way off of the back foot without hoping for his opponents to fade.

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