On Sunday 16 August 2026, Edson Barboza takes on Esteban Ribovics in the UFC. Our model likes 2 bets here. The one it likes most is Edson Barboza +3.5 on the Line, priced at +250 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.

Edson Barboza +3.5 on the Line (+250)

Odds available at Bovada at time of publishing

Edson Barboza is a super talented striker known for his powerful kicks and speed, while Esteban Ribovics has a wrestling background that can make things tricky. Barboza needs to keep the fight standing to use his striking skills, and if he does that, he has a solid chance to win by more than 3.5 points. It won't be easy, but our numbers suggest he has a good shot as the underdog. Just remember, anything can happen in the octagon, so don't count your chickens before they hatch! It was priced at +250 when we wrote this, so a $10 bet returns $35 if it lands. The number next to the team is the handicap, and that team's score is adjusted by it before the bet is settled. This is a long shot at the price, so keep the stake small. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back it. And if this one does not feel right to you, skipping it is a perfectly good move.

Edson Barboza to Win (+480)

Odds available at Matchbook at time of publishing

Edson Barboza is a really skilled striker, known for his powerful kicks and quick movement. He's facing Esteban Ribovics, who has a different style and might try to wrestle. Barboza needs to keep the fight standing to show off his striking skills. At +480 odds, Barboza is an underdog, but he has a real chance to win if he can avoid getting taken down. While there are no guarantees in fights, Barboza's experience and striking ability make this a bet worth considering. Just remember, anything can happen in the octagon! It was priced at +480 when we wrote this, so a $10 bet returns $58 if it lands. This is a long shot at the price, so keep the stake small. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back it. And if this one does not feel right to you, skipping it is a perfectly good move.

The tale of the tape:

  • Edson Barboza: last five L-L-L-W-W, dropped the last 3, 24% of career wins came by knockout, 250 days since the last fight
  • Esteban Ribovics: last five L-W-L-W-W, dropped the last 1, 11% of career wins came by knockout, 124 days since the last fight

That is how our model reads Edson Barboza v Esteban Ribovics. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.

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