Lucas Hulk Barbosa is an accomplished grappler with wins over Gilbert Burns, Rafael Lovato and many others. Ahead of the contest Barbosa told media:
“I won’t say I’m superior because they’re way better than me in MMA, but it gives me some confidence knowing I was able to gain positions [against them], that I have an updated grappling game against MMA people like them. I think I’ll do well against anyone in MMA if I have the opportunity to take them down.”
But it looks like Barbosa’s desire to transition to MMA hit a snag when he lost during the main event of PFL Challenger last night.
Hot prospect Itso Babulaidze kept his record perfect after defeating BJJ phenom Lucas Barbosa. Babulaidze successfully stuffed Barbosa’s many takedown attempts.
Barbosa ends the 1st round on top!#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW | @fubosports
🇺🇸🇪🇸🇨🇦🇫🇷: https://t.co/OS8jfeZ4yX
🌎: https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI pic.twitter.com/zJTQ9jgdvo— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 28, 2023
Babulaidze became a threat on his PFL debut in August last year. He defeated Mahmoud Sebie Fawzy via first-round TKO.
Tired of being on the feet Lucas Barboza goes to his bread and butter. #PFLMMA pic.twitter.com/WtqURh1KtW
— DAZN MMA (@daznmma) January 28, 2023
Barbosa controlled the action in the first round. The Brazilian was able to take Babulaidze to the ground and rain down punches, but failed to submit him. In the second round, Babulaidze turned the tide.
Here comes Itso Babulaidze 🔥#PFLMMA pic.twitter.com/eI2Xiet8EB
— DAZN MMA (@daznmma) January 28, 2023
He dominated Barbosa in a stand-up. Barbosa tried to retaliate with yet another takedown attempt but that two was snuffed out.
Itso Babulaidze stops the takedown and gets the fight back up standing#PFLonFubo LIVE NOW
🇺🇸🇪🇸🇨🇦🇫🇷: https://t.co/OS8jfeZ4yX
🌎: https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI pic.twitter.com/dn71Hw0KIQ— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 28, 2023
In the final round, Barbosa appeared gassed out. Babulaidze became more and more dominant in every aspect of the game. Babulaidze got a successful takedown. But going to ground with Barbosa still had the potential to backfire. He appeared to be in control and almost got Babulaidze in an arm triangle.
Itso Babulaidze is feeling it in round three. 😤#PFLMMA pic.twitter.com/8qlpWV3rVd
— DAZN MMA (@daznmma) January 28, 2023
Unfortunately, he failed yet again.
Even with this late flurry with time winding down wasn't enough for Lucas Barboza as Itso Babulaidze gets the decision win.
Is that performance enough to net Babulaidze a @PFLMMA contract?#PFLMMA pic.twitter.com/RZaQ6F5Tw1
— DAZN MMA (@daznmma) January 28, 2023
Itso Babulaidze came out as the winner via unanimous decision with judges scoring the contest 29-28, 29-28, 30-27.
Barbosa is now 2-2 in MMA and it’s uncertain where he might go from here. Babulaidze earned a contract with that performance.
John Davis is a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having first started training in the martial art in 2011. Despite facing significant knee issues that have sidelined him for a period, John remains passionate about the sport and continues to follow all the latest developments in the BJJ community.