On an exciting Fight Night card in Kansas City, the co-main event shines with UFC living legend Edson Barboza going up against the always-exciting Billy Quarantillo.
Barboza plays gatekeeper for the top-ranked of the stacked featherweight division this week. Will Quarantillo have what it takes to get past the No.14 ranked contender?
Read further for an in-depth look at this bout, UFC news, a betting analysis, and an official Barboza vs Quarantillo betting prediction.
Edson Barboza vs. Billy Quarantillo Information
Edson Barboza vs Billy Quarantillo
Location of the fight: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO.
Date and Time: April 15, 2023. 8:30 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN | ESPN+
Edson Barboza vs. Billy Quarantillo Last Fight Record
Barboza is coming off back-to-back losses to Giga Chikadze and Bryce Mitchell.
Quarantillo last fought in December of 2022, where he scored a 2nd round TKO victory over Alexander Hernandez.
Edson Barboza vs. Billy Quarantillo Betting Analysis
Edson Barboza Facts to Know
Barboza is a 22-11 martial artist that has experience fighting the best of the best for over a decade now. He made his UFC debut at UFC 123 in 2010. The Brazilian kickboxer has 13 KO victories and only one submission finish.
The long-time vet has averaged 3.96 significant strikes landed per minute in the octagon, along with a solid 58% striking defense. To go with his flashy striking style, Barboza also has a 75% takedown defense.
Billy Quarantillo Facts to Know
Quarantillo is always a frontrunner for the fight of the night when he shows up on the UFC schedule. His fight against Shane Burgos is one of the most exciting 15 minutes in UFC history. Quarantillo is a good wrestler with a great chin and solid hands.
The Tampa Bay native is 5-2 in the UFC, with four of those victories being finishes. Quarantillo holds a ridiculous 7.88 significant strikes landed per minute stat while also absorbing 5.72 in that same minute.
Updates
No injuries have been reported to the UFC or the Missouri Athletic Commission.
Edson Barboza vs. Billy Quarantillo Betting Preview
Moneyline: When looking at the Barboza vs Quarantillo betting preview, the fact that Barboza is the +145 underdog sticks out. UFC odds have Quarantillo as the -175 betting favorite over the future Hall of Famer.
Barboza is one of the best technical kickboxers the UFC has ever seen and will be the slightly bigger athlete in the octagon on Saturday night. You would think that the edge would go to Barboza, no matter how old he is.
Quarantillo has very good durability and fights with tons of heart, but the crisper striker will be Barboza. This matchup has plenty of value in the moneyline for both sides. It seems tough to turn down a Barboza pick as the underdog.
Edson Barboza vs. Billy Quarantillo Betting Prediction
Before making UFC picks, make sure you do all the research possible. With how difficult this sport is to predict, you can’t let any of your bets go to waste–that’s a great way to lose money quickly.
Even though oddsmakers don’t agree, the official Barboza vs Quarantillo betting pick is going to be the Barboza moneyline. He is in the twilight of his career, but he will prove that he can still compete as a top 15 contender.
Look for his kicks to control the pace and the distance of this fight, along with strong counters to Quarantillo’s great jab that he fights behind. Barboza is probably even going to have the speed advantage this weekend, regardless of his age.
Can Quarantillo Stand up to Barboza’s Power?
Barboza is still levels above a lot of the featherweights in the world, and he is going to have a great chance to prove that tomorrow in front of an exciting crowd.
Don’t be surprised if Barboza catches Quarantillo coming into boxing range and puts him away. The power is the last thing to go as the fighter ages.
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