In a matchup of top-10 lightweights at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum in Fortaleza, Brazil, Edson Barboza and Beneil Dariush engaged in a back-and-forth striking battle, but it was the Brazilian who added to his highlight reel with a spectacular flying knee finish.
Dariush and Barboza traded punches right away, as you might expect. Beneil cracked Barboza with his power left hand. Edson found success with combination boxing. They exchanged heavy leg kicks. Barboza landed a head kick but Dariush took it well. Dariush was implementing a pressuring game and not letting Barboza set his feet. Dariush was getting the better of Barboza on the feet, and surprisingly he was the one landing the big leg kicks. Barboza stuffed Dariush’s first takedown attempt. A straight left backed Barboza up not too long after that. Barboza got in a few body shots to end a high-paced first round.
The firefight continued into round 2, with Barboza drilling Dariush with a powerful left hook, but Dariush kept the forward movement going and was sharp with his boxing. Dariush’s single was unsuccessful, with Barboza breaking free from his grip. Barboza was faring better dealing with Dariush as the round progressed. A groin punch stopped action for a moment, as Dariush was given time to recover. Action resumed and they continued to throw down. After Dariush landed a jab, Barboza answered with one of the most lethal flying knees you will ever see. Daruish was out cold from an absolutely brutal shot by Barboza.
Official result: Edson Barboza def. Beneil Dariush by KO (flying knee) at 3:35 of round 2
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