UFC 242 Predictions

Following the inevitable grappling fest that was Makhachev against Davi Ramos, we've got another lightweight showcase. However, this time, two striking sensations will be facing off as Edson Barboza takes on Paul Felder.

These two have fought before, with Barboza coming out on top in an outstanding bout at UFC on Fox 16 in 2015. Both men put on a hell of a performance, but their rematch should be just as exciting.

When they fought the first time, Felder was still an undefeated, up-and-coming prospect. Despite his obvious skills, he wasn't able to overcome the more experienced striker in Barboza. Four years have passed since that fight though and both men have fought a who's who of opponents.

While they've suffered their fair share of wins and losses, Barboza has certainly looked the worse of the two. It's not surprising either, with three of his last four fights being against current UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and top contenders, Kevin Lee and Justin Gaethje. Felder has fought some stiff competition, but no-one has really been destroyed like Barboza has been over his last few fights.

Felder has also grown substantially as a fighter, which is why he should be the favourite going into this bout. Of course, Barboza will always be a threat and one of the toughest fighters to ever compete at 155lb. However, he's only human and the fights he has lost will certainly take some energy away from him. It will still be a competitive, tough fight for both men, but Felder should come away with the victory.