MMA Preview – Edson Barboza vs Bryce Mitchell at UFC 272
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
EDSON BARBOZA VS BRYCE MITCHELL FACTS
When is UFC 272? Sunday 6th March, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 272? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 272? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 272
What channel is UFC 272 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 272? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
EDSON BARBOZA VS BRYCE MITCHELL LOWDOWN
Edson Barboza (22-10) walks out for his 27th UFC fight and has looked superb since dropping down to featherweight although he is now 2-2 in the division after getting TKO’d by Giga Chikadze in August last year. It was one of the very few occasions you will see him get outclassed on the feet and it came after he put on an absolute clinic against Shane Burgos three months prior eventually putting him away with a swipe to the temple causing a delayed knockout.
Bryce Mitchell (14-0) is still yet to taste defeat professionally with five UFC fights under his belt. He got subbed by Brad Katona in the semis of The Ultimate Fighter 27 but was given a shot in the finale against fellow contestant Tyler Diamond (2018) who he beat via unanimous decision. He has gone on to outpoint Bobby Moffett (2019), wrap Matt Sayles (2019) up in an incredible twister and earn two more unanimous decisions over the experienced Charles Rosa (2020) and Andre Fili (2020).
EDSON BARBOZA VS BRYCE MITCHELL PREDICTION
Mitchell’s strength is Barboza’s weakness but, this is a giant step-up in competition for the Arkansas native. He is a wizard on the mat and relentless in pursuit of the takedown which is a proven strategy against Barboza.
However, he has not fought someone with the takedown defence of Barboza and the Brazilian is also a natural lightweight who will have the power advantage. His takedown defence is 78% which includes fights with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kevin Lee.
Mitchell will be able to tie Barboza up for periods of time and pin him against the fence, but he will need to mask his attempts as Barboza is too seasoned and powerful to get controlled by Mitchell’s predictable takedowns.
He will have to entertain some striking exchanges and that is when he will taste the calibre of one of the best strikers in the division. Barboza is a stick of dynamite with no fuse and he will chew him up like a woodchipper with lightening kicks to the legs and body.
Mitchell has to cling on to Barboza from the bell and we cannot see him doing that for 15 minutes, so we are backing Barboza to break Mitchell down with an array of technical and vicious strikes to earn his 14th knockout. He is also the underdog so is a no-brainer for a bet.
Prediction: Barboza via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Barboza to win
