UFC on ESPN 2 Barboza vs. Gaetheje: Fight Card, Half-Assed Musings, + Odds

March 30, 2019

Wells Fargo Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you want to see great MMA action this weekend, MMAFO encourages you to turn off ESPN and turn on https://www.onefc.com/download-app/ for free! You can watch the stellar ONE Championship card packed with amazing talent. 

Or, you can watch this card that has 3 interesting bouts. C'mon people, support MMA and not the UFC machine that is ruining our beloved sport. Soapbox over. 

Main Card on ESPN (6pm/CT):

#8 Edson Barboza (20-6) -125 vs. #9 Justin Gaethje (19-2) +115

People seem to have forgotten a bit about "Barbie" since his recent losses to the top of the division but they were reminded of how good he can be when last out, he destroyed Dan Hooker to the point it was hard to watch. Ed can still dish it out with technical brilliance.

What can you say about Gaethje? The guy is a constantly forward moving machine who eats punishment to give it back. His fun style earned him the nickname "The Highlight" but his fights are terrifying nip and tuck affairs where he can live or die at any moment.

This is destined to be violent and fun as hell! We just don't have any faith in Justin as he refuses to take care of himself in the cage and he can't outrun the damage accrued forever. Not to mention, Ed is more technical and has more tricks in the pocket and we expect a brilliant firefight 

WINNER-Edson Barboza by Rd.3 TKO

David Branch (22-5) +110 vs. Jack Hermansson (18-4) -120

"The Executive" Branch returned to the UFC in '17 and brought with him a new "I'm a bad dude" attitude. It was a hilariously obvious change of persona to attract attention but it only made him look cringe every time he swore like a kid who just learned swear words. Dave is always bitching about how he is "overlooked" but in reality, he's just boring as hell to watch and nobody cares. Truth. 

"The Joker" from Sweden has finished the last 4 men he's beaten but he's got a couple losses here and there as well. 

This bout is not deserving of Co-Main Event status and is better suited to be a prelim, but the UFC is determined to shove shit down your throat. Who cares who wins as we've seen the ceiling for these men long ago. 

Upset Pick WINNER-David Branch by Decision

Josh Emmett (13-2) +100 vs. Michael Johnson (19-13) -110

The Team Alpha Male fighter made himself a contender in the stacked 145s only to be brought crashing down to Earth when Jeremy Stephens shattered his damn face sidelining him for just over a year. 

MJ has had a frustrating career being seemingly a title contender one moment, and barely recognizable as a fighter the next. The guy is crazy talented with great boxing skills and length, but he can't wrestle off his back and he's making a giant, scary weight cut every time he competes at this class. 

Emmett is returning from brutal injuries and we were never really sold on him being a true contender. Johnson should be able to box him up and we wouldn't be surprised if Josh is a bit scurred (sic) and hesitant. 

WINNER-Michael Johnson by Rd.2 TKO

#7 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-3) -150 vs. Michelle Waterson (16-6) +140

If people know anything about MMAFO, it's that Karolina Kowalkiewicz is our lady. We adore her and her love of Shitzu's which is the greatest dog breed in all the world. KK has been near the top since entering the UFC, but her lack of grappling skills have held her back. The Pole is a good kickboxer and despite her beauty, she is tough as hell.

The "Karate Hottie" is an intelligent striker who has been doing the damn thing for 12 years! Waterson has always been undersized for this division but she makes up for it with tenacity and skill. 

KK's best bet is to work in close and batter Michelle in the clinch, rather than allow the karate fighter to pick and pop from distance. This should be a very close fight but we are biased to the hilt and have to root for and pick the adorable Mamut's owner.

WINNER-Karolina Kowalkiewicz by Decision

Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-0) -170 vs. Paul Craig (10-3) +160

The "Bearjew" is not very good. He can sneak in some submissions every now and again but he's not a UFC level fighter.

Ken graduated from the Tuesday Night Contender Series and now gets his shot at the big time. The "African Savage" (his nickname not ours btw) is very raw at this point, but as we stated, Craig isn't very good. Nzechukwu should dispatch him before the final bell.

WINNER-Kennedy Nzechukwu by Rd.1 TKO

Sodiq Yusuff (8-1) -135 vs. Sheymon Moraes (11-2) +125

WARNING! Sodiq is a member of Lloyd Irvin's Team Rape so we at MMAFO hate him. Sorry, join a different team.

Upset Pick WINNER-Sheymon Moraes by Decision

Prelims on ESPN (4pm/CT):

Marina Rodriguez (10-1) -315 vs. Jessica Aguilar (20-7) +285

Some four years ago, "JAG" was widely considered the best Strawweight in the world. However, injuries slowed her ability to get fights and she fought very infrequently while the game moved on. The ATT fighter is a talented grappler but she is slow and robotic.

The Brazilian is undefeated save for a Draw last out against Randa Markos. Marina is a killer in the clinch and should be able to rough up the veteran for at least 2 of 3 rounds.

WINNER-Marina Rodriguez by Decision

Ross Pearson (20-15) +375 vs. Desmond Green (21-8) -420

Stop! Fucking stop fighting Ross! Goddamn it we love Ross. He's a good human being but he's been through many, many wars which has made him cut and bruise at the hint of a breeze. "The Real Deal" is a kickboxer who works in combinations and MMAFO doesn't want him to take anymore punishment. Ross "The Boss" has too much heart will not quit in the cage. We respect him greatly and his last war against proved, yet again, that Pearson is a courageous warrior, but a step behind at this point behind his peers.

"The Predator" is much faster than his opponent and doesn't have the wear on the tires. Green isn't going to set the world on fire or anything, but he's steady even if lame to watch.

We'd pick Pearson here if it were just a few years ago, but it isn't. We root for Ross but the MMA Gods are cruel.

WINNER-Desmond Green by Decision

Enrique Barzola (15-3-1) -115 vs. Kevin Aguilar (16-1) +105

Upset Pick WINNER-Kevin Aguilar by Decision

Kevin Holland (13-4) -185 vs. Gerald Meerschaert (28-10) +170

The classic striker versus wrestler.

WINNER-Kevin Holland by Rd.3 TKO

Prelims on ESPN (2:30pm/CT):

Ray Borg (11-3) -255 vs. Casey Kenney (11-1-1) +235

Casey just fought March 22nd, but jumped at the chance to step in here on short notice. 

Ray is talented and he's had a rough go of things as of late, but the dude is unprofessional as hell. Borg has pulled out of UFC fights 7 (5 weight cut related) times and missed the 125 limit twice! Now, he's moving up to 135 and he fucking misses weight again! This is unacceptable. Sick kid or no, at some point this guy needs to be held responsible for his actions.

WINNER-Ray Borg by Decision

https://www.instagram.com/maryna_moroz_ufc/?hl=en

Sabina Mazo (6-0) -140 vs. Maryna Moroz (8-3) +130

The "Colombian Queen" is undefeated at the tender age of 22 and making her debut for the UFC. Girl has tons of potential and already won a belt in LFA. Mazo has true potential and we're not sure that Moroz is anything other than an average at best, competitor.

WINNER-Sabina Mazo by Decision

Alex Perez (21-5) -305 vs. Mark De La Rosa (11-1) +275

More Flyweights makin' the move up to 135s. So......why?

WINNER-Alex Perez by Decision