UFC Philadelphia's main event on Saturday night might not move the ESPN needle, but it was a bout that hardcore fight fans dreamed about since it was announced.
#8 Justin Gaethje and #6 Edson Barboza are widely considered both among the most exciting lightweight fighters in UFC history, but also the most dangerous leg kick artists as well. With Barboza's thigh-slapping attacks, and Gaethje's game-changing calf kicks, there were many question marks heading into the bout.
LLdoIt pic.twitter.com/pa7Qmm9xRN
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) March 31, 2019
Gaethje struck first, landing one of his signature calf kicks, immediately answered by the aforementioned Barboza thigh kick. They'd trade in the first minutes, with both men landing impressive strikes. After more back-and-forth, Gaethje clipped and knocked out Barboza cold in order to win the fight mid-way through the first round.
After rumors that Gaethje could be winding down his career in the near future, Gaethje seemed to slow that talk, instead saying that he loved the sport, and planned on competing until the wheels fell off. He also aired his grievances about Donald Cerrone being ranked ahead of him.
You can see full results of UFC Philadelphia at this link, and check out our post-show podcast at this link.
