Here we have the UFC betting odds for the Edson Barboza versus Beneil Dariush lightweight bout at Fight Night 106 on Saturday in Brazil for fans who like to bet on UFC at SBG online sportsbook:
Beneil Dariush – 2½ (-190) +150
Edson Barboza – 2½ (+165) -170
Dariush is coming off back-to-back wins against James Vick at UFC 199 on June 4, 2016 and Rashid Magomedov at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale on November 5, 2016. The Assyrian-American is No. 9 in the lightweight rankings but is not hung up on winning a championship – and in the current era of the interim titles that is a very sensible approach. “I don’t think about the title shot too much anymore,” Dariush told Flo Combat. “I just want to fight the best guys in the world and if the title shot comes then it comes, but I’m not too concerned with that.” Benny added that he has “never said no to a fight.” Vitor Belfort would be so proud. Dariush is a bit wary of squaring off against a Brazilian fighter in Brazilian soil, though. “I prefer to fight at home and be comfortable,” he told MMA Junkie. “It’s not like the American judges are going to favor me, but at least I know they’re not going to favor him either.” Corruption in Brazil? Perish the thought! Benny will be flying two extra cornermen to Centro de Formação Olímpica do Nordeste in Fortaleza on his own dime so as to not leave any loose ends.
Barboza will be the UFC betting favorite this Saturday. Junior is infamous for his leg kicks and, to paraphrase the late, great Owen ‘The Rocket’ Hart, he will be looking to kick Dariush’s leg outta his leg. When Barboza starts kicking is like putting on the Red Shoes – he just can’t stop. Even he himself has realized that his “kicks are evil” and “maybe (he) should stop kicking guys’ legs black and blue.” Junior will even “agree to five kicks per round” or just “box and wrestle.” Of course all of these comments were made with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Those vicious kicks are what make him a favorite among people who bet on UFC. Barboza has won his last two fights; both unanimous decisions against Anthony Pettis at UFC 197 on April 23, 2016 and Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 20 on July 23, 2016. Barboza hoped to be booked in a PPV as early as UFC 205, but his ascension to the No. 5 spot in the lightweight rankings plus the few fighters ranked higher already booked left him with limited options. In fact it might be said that Junior is settling for less by agreeing to fight Dariush who is on the wrong end of the top 10. While Saturday’s may not be the big fight he was expecting, it’s still a good thing he didn’t turned it out down lest he incur the wrath of Belfort. And according to UFC betting lines, it should be another check on the win column for Barboza.