Edson Barboza's brutal flying knee stops Beneil Dariush:

Surely it's time to warrant Edson Barboza a title shot.

Lightweights Edson Barboza and Beneil Dariush met at UFC Fight Night Fortaleza with fireworks almost guaranteed between the dynamic striker and the experienced grappler. Brazilian favourite Barboza recovered from a D'arce loss to Tony 'El Cucuy' Ferguson, by claiming decision wins over former Lightweight champs Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez, while 'Benny' Dariush is currently on a two fight win streak, finishing James Vick, before claiming a decision against Rashid Magomedov.

Dariush attempted an early head kick against Edson, who then countered well. Barboza displayed some great hands early on, showing that he's much more than a one trick pony. Dariush was really pushing the pace early in the round, before Barboza unleashed the first real heavy kick, sneaking in a right high kick which was partially blocked by Beneil. Dariush was surprisingly landing the early leg kicks, something Barboza is accustomed too. Beneil then went to the body well with another kick, before Edson then fired back his own body shot. Barboza finally went low with a kick, stinging the shin of his Iran born opponent. First round to Beneil in my opinion.

Mark Henry sounded quite concerned in the corner of Barboza as the second round began. Barboza landed a big combination just seconds into the round, but Beneil seemed to just plod forward unaffected. Another big body shot proved to find it's home for Barboza who then scored with a jab. Barboza was then forced to display his remarkable takedown defence after a single leg attempt from Dariush. Barboza was starting to find his mark with those often punishing leg kicks, much better so far from the Kings MMA product. A groin strike landed against Dariush after a stray uppercut. A big knee from Dariush landed sqaure, before an even bigger one for Edson resulted in the finish. Dariush was looking to close the distance before a picture perfect flying knee sent Dariush to sleep.

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