MMA Preview – Robbie Lawler vs Bryan Barberena at UFC 276
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ROBBIE LAWLER VS BRYAN BARBERENA FACTS
When is UFC 276? Sunday 3rd July, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 276? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 276? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 276
What channel is UFC 276 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 276? 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!
ROBBIE LAWLER VS BRYAN BARBERENA LOWDOWN
The living legend Robbie Lawler (29-15(1)) extended his shelf life back in September last year by collecting his first win since July. His incredible wars finally caught up with him as the champion and Tyron Woodley’s monster right hand seemed to stamp an expiry date on the veteran. He responded to losing his title with a decision over Donald Cerrone (2016), but fell to strong grapplers – Rafael dos Anjos (2017), Ben Askren (2019), Colby Covington (2019) and Neil Magny (2020). He is coming off a win in a match-up of the ages – just the wrong age as Nick Diaz was clearly not in fighting shape.
Bryan Barberena (17-8) has been gifted a dream match-up. He is 8-6 in the UFC, but he has put on some exciting scraps and always comes to bang, so he deserves this. His last loss was a majority decision to Jason Witt (2021), but he is coming off a rare streak of two by earning unanimous decisions over Darian Weeks (2021) and Matt Brown back in March picking up a ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus in the process.
ROBBIE LAWLER VS BRYAN BARBERENA PREDICTION
Although they have both lost a touch of speed and durability, they are both savages and this could easily be a ‘Fight of the Night’ contender.
They both absorb a lot of strikes – 4.42 per minute for Lawler and 4.83 for Barberena. This is more of a worry for Barberena as Lawler still hits like a truck and he will not be able to eat that many shots on the night.
Expect some feisty exchanges with Lawler’s damage gradually building up. We can also see some clinch work which will also suit Lawler who is still brutishly strong and has sharp elbows and knees.
If Barberena can smother Lawler for three rounds or goad him into a reckless brawl he has a good chance, but we are backing Lawler to come out on top in violent battle.
Prediction: Lawler via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
