Top-ranked lightweight contenders return to action this weekend in Philadelphia, as Edson Barboza faces off against Justin Gaethje. Barboza has recently changed gyms and is now with American Top Team. The decision came after two disappointing losses – and in his first fight after the switch, he was successful with a knockout victory over Dan Hooker. He looks to continue in the same vein and feels a victory will move him towards a title shot. Gaethje however, is also looking to continue with the sort of performance that gave him a knockout victory over James Vick in his last fight. Between them, these fighters have 13 post-fight bonuses – so we can expect what might just be the fight of the year.
The co-main event features David Branch against Jack Hermansson at 185 lbs. Branch has proven himself to have the skills – particularly with a knockout win over Thiago Silva last year, but consistency has proven to be his weakness. Hermansson also has a patchy record but will extend a 2- fight win streak if he proves victorious
Rest of fight card
Josh Emmett vs. Michael Johnson 145 lbs Lightweight
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Michelle Waterson 115 lbs Flyweight
Paul Craig vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu 205 lbs Heavyweight
Sheymon Moraes vs. Sodiq Yusuff 145 lbs Lightweight
Jessica Aguilar vs. Marina Rodriguez 115 lbs Flyweight
Desmond Green vs. Ross Pearson 155 lbs Welterweight
Kevin Aguilar vs. Enrique Barzola 145 lbs Lightweight
Kevin Holland vs. Gerald Meerschaert 185 lbs Light Heavyweight
Ray Borg vs. Kyler Phillips 135 lbs Featherweight
Maryna Moroz vs. Sabina Mazo 125 lbs Bantamweight
Mark De La Rosa vs. Alex Perez 135 lbs Featherweight
