An intriguing featherweight matchup between Edson Barboza and Bryce Mitchell is in store for 2022.
That’s according to MMA Junkie who reported Thursday that the pair had verbally agreed to a fight for the UFC’s upcoming March 5 event.
#BREAKING: Edson Barboza will welcome Bryce Mitchell back to the octagon in a striker vs. grappler affair.@Farah_Hannoun and @MikeBohnMMA report verbal agreements are in place for the bout.
Full story: https://t.co/hFcmurddrs pic.twitter.com/nsjeaoLv5C
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 25, 2021
“MMA Junkie verified verbal agreements are in place for the bout with multiple people close to the situation, who requested anonymity because UFC has yet to make an official announcement.”
There is currently no date or location for the event. However, if it’s a Fight Night event, it will likely take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas as has been the current trend.
No main event has been announced as of yet either.
Edson Barboza Is Bryce Mitchell’s Toughest Test Yet
It’s a big step up for Mitchell who is undoubtedly facing the toughest opponent of his career as well as the best striker he’s ever faced.
Mitchell remains undefeated with a 14-0 record and last outpointed Andre Fili in October last year. Injuries have kept him out since as he will go well over a year without competing when he fights Barboza.
Barboza, meanwhile, is coming off his first TKO defeat since moving down to featherweight after a third-round knockout defeat to Giga Chikadze in August. It snapped a two-fight winning streak for the former lightweight veteran.
Who will triumph in this striker vs. grappler matchup? We’ll find out in just over three months.
