Tatame, Portaldovaletudo and Kamipro are reporting that an explosive lightweight bout could be in the works for UFC Rio in August, with famed Japanese slugger, Takanori Gomi taking on muay thai machine, Edson Barboza Jr. Gomi has struggled with grapplers in his UFC tenure, but even though Barboza is a striker, he has some of the best kickboxing at 155 and will be a very stiff challenge for Gomi. We’ll keep you posted when the UFC confirms the bout.
Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi (32-7)
Loss Clay Guida – Submission (Guillotine Choke) UFC 125
Win Tyson Griffin – KO (Punch) UFC Versus 2
Loss Kenny Florian – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) UFC FN 21
Edson Mendes Barboza Jr. (8-0)
Win Anthony Njokuani – Decision (Unanimous) UFC 128
Win Mike Lullo – TKO (Leg Kicks) UFC 123
Win Marcelo Giudici – TKO (Leg Kicks) ROC 30
Aug 27th, live on Pay-per-view from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami
Mauricio Rua vs. Forrest Griffin [rumored]
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. TBA
Royce Gracie vs. TBA
Takanori Gomi vs. Edson Barboza