Islam Makhachev gives credit to his opponent and says he is a very tough opponent. He says he expected this type of fight to Ariel Helwani of the UFC team.
Paul Felder aka The Irish Dragon makes his ring walk. He is pumped up, energetic and lively. He is the number 10 ranked lightweight and he has just stepped into the ring. His walk-out music is something I don't personally recognise but it sounds like a pop song. Barboza will make his walk next.
Edson Barboza comes out, he give out a few fist pumps to the fans on his way. He looks fiery and ready to put on a show. He shows a bit of little anger and some gesturing too. He steps into the ring and makes a little prayer with his eyes closed.
Round 1: Barboza starts with calf kicks, Felder tries some spinning elbow attacks. Felder pins Barboza against the ring fence. Felder lands a combination, Barboza replies with mean calf kicks. Barboza lands a sweet body kick, Felder blocks the follow up kick. Unintentional headbutt creates a cut on Felder's forehead as he was coming in. Fight continues after a quick check. Felder has a cut on his forehead that has some blood coming out and also a leaking nose from an earlier jab by Barboza. Nice right by Felder. Felder advancing and applying pressure. Close round. I think this was Barboza's round due to the kicks and a few punches. Barboza.
Round 2: Felder starts with a good left hand. Spinning heel kick from Barboza, lands with a thud. More inside calf kicks from Barboza. Barboza lands the first take-down. Felder lands a couple of elbows from the ground and opens a leaking cut on Barboza. Both back on their feet with 2 minutes to go. Both men cut. Felder getting through slightly more now. Barboza lands a good counter right hook. Felder has him against the ring fence again. He tries a take-down but good scramble and escape from Barboza. Felder tries another take-down but Barboza back-steps all the way to the ring fence again. Round ends there. Another close round. Felder.
Round 3: Both fighters embrace to start the round. Barboza lands a nice body kick. Both fighters exchange punches. Another body kick from Barboza. Then he lands a sweet 1-2 and Felder replies with a punch as well. Felder jab lands. Another body kick and Felder replies with a left hook. Another Barboza body kick. Felder advancing mostly this round, Barboza footwork is good and he lands a heel kick. Close round so far. Felder lands a few punches. Late take-down from Barboza. Very close fight. Either one can get the decision. Barboza. 2 rounds to 1 for Barboza. Awaiting the official decision now.
Official decision: winner by split decision is Paul Felder. It is met with boo's. Strange cards to be honest. The scores are 30-27 Barboza, 29-28 Felder and 30-27 for Felder.
