Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa faced off against Kenta Iwamoto in a grueling three-round battle. The contest showcased the contrasting styles of the experienced Barbosa against the rising talent of Iwamoto.
Round 1 began with both grapplers engaging in a tense stand-up exchange. Iwamoto, known for his judo background, shot for a double but got stuffed and spent the first 4 minutes on his back defending Barbosa’s attempts to pass. The round’s closing 45 seconds saw an explosion of activity with Iwamoto going from kouchi gari to knee tap to get the takedown. As Barbosa scrambled back to his feet, Iwamoto quickly jumped on Barbosa’s back sinking in one hook. Stuck on all fours with Iwamoto on his back up to the bell, Iwamoto did enough for the judges to award him the round on two of three scorecards.
The second round saw Barbosa adjust his strategy, applying more pressure in the stand-up and eventually securing a takedown off a failed shot against the wall bu Iwamoto. He maintained top control right till the end of the round, though Iwamoto’s defensive skills prevented any substantial advancement. This control was enough for Barbosa to unanimously claim the second round on all judges’ scorecards.
With the match tied heading into the final round, both grapplers knew the importance of a strong finish. Barbosa continued to press forward, eventually establishing a dominant top position where he stayed for a vast majorit of the round. Iwamoto, feeling the pressure, attempted a late leg lock, but time expired before he could fully apply the technique.
The judges’ decision reflected the closely contested nature of the match, with Barbosa ultimately securing the victory. Despite the win, Barbosa’s demeanor suggested he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his performance, perhaps recognizing the challenges posed by the tenacious Iwamoto.
As Barbosa advances in the tournament, he’ll likely look to make a stronger statement in his next bout against the winner of the Varela vs Chen matchup.
