Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose UFC 319 Odds & Analysis

Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose fight analysis

Introduction

The highly anticipated lightweight clash between Edson Barboza and Drakkar Klose is scheduled to kick off the preliminary card of UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev on Saturday, August 17, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This matchup promises fireworks as two seasoned veterans look to reassert themselves in one of the UFC’s most talent-packed divisions. As the opening act in a night headlined by title hopefuls, Barboza vs Klose will set the tone for a stacked card, offering fans a blend of technical striking, relentless pace, and tactical grappling.

Both fighters arrive with something to prove. At 39 years old, Brazil’s Edson Barboza remains one of the division’s most feared strikers, boasting a 24-12-0 professional record with 14 knockouts and 8 first-round finishes. Known for his devastating leg kicks and explosive combinations, Barboza has spent more than a decade perfecting his stand-up, earning victories over top contenders and headlining major events. After a unanimous decision loss to Lerone Murphy in May 2024, “Junior” Barboza looks to recapture his momentum and remind the lightweight ranks why he’s still considered a dangerous perennial threat.

Standing across the Octagon is Drakkar Klose, a relentless American wrestler-striker hybrid making his season debut since a first-round KO defeat to Joel Álvarez in December 2024. The 36-year-old from Kalamazoo holds a 15-3-1 record, with 6 knockout wins and a reputation for grinding pace, high output, and never-say-die attitude. Klose has demonstrated sharp takedown entries (28% accuracy) and stout takedown defense (69%), blending wrestling with crisp boxing to control the action. A win here would propel him back into the win column and put him back on the radar as a quiet but dangerous contender in an ultra-competitive lightweight division.

Betting Odds & Key Storylines

When the opening bell rings, Edson Barboza enters as the favorite on the betting board, with odds hovering around -150 at major sportsbooks like BetMGM, FanDuel, and BetOnline.ag. His veteran striking pedigree, combined with veteran savvy and reach advantage (75-inch arms), has oddsmakers backing him to outland and outpoint the less experienced Klose.

On the flip side, Drakkar Klose is the underdog at roughly +125 across the same markets. Those who believe Klose’s pressure, wrestling acumen, and cardio — underscored by a career average fight time of 11:20 — will carry him through are offering value on an upset. His ability to mix takedowns with volume striking could slow down Barboza’s offensive output and force the veteran to fight at an uncomfortable pace.

With both men desperate to bounce back from recent setbacks and reestablish their credentials, expect an all-out war where every leg kick, jab, and single-leg attempt could shift momentum. Whether you side with Barboza’s veteran precision or Klose’s work-rate and toughness, this preliminary bout is poised to deliver high-octane action and meaningful implications for the lightweight pecking order.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Du Plessis vs Chimaev can be found on the Du Plessis vs Chimaev event page.

Matchup and Individual Profiles

Matchup Overview

Saturday’s preliminary-card tilt at UFC 319 pits two veteran lightweights—Edson Barboza and Drakkar Klose—against contrasting skill sets. Barboza brings world-class striking and knockout power to Chicago’s United Center, while Klose looks to impose his wrestling-driven pace and volume output. At ages 39 and 36, respectively, both fighters seek career momentum in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. Below, we break down each athlete’s background, recent form, and statistical strengths and vulnerabilities.

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Edson Barboza Profile

Age & Country: 39, Nova Friburgo, Brazil
Fighting Style: Elite Striker (Leg Kicks & Combinations)
UFC Debut: Nov. 21, 2010
Record: 24–12–0 (14 KOs, 0 Subs)

Recent Form

• May 2024: Loss vs. Lerone Murphy (Decision – Unanimous)
• Oct. 2023: Win vs. Sodiq Yusuff (Decision – Unanimous)
• Apr. 2023: Win vs. Billy Quarantillo (KO/TKO – R1, 2:37)
• Mar. 2022: Loss vs. Bryce Mitchell (Decision – Unanimous)
• Aug. 2021: Loss vs. Giga Chikadze (KO/TKO – R3, 1:44)

Strengths

• Power & Precision: 14 career knockouts; averages 8 first-round finishes.
• Reach Advantage: 75" arm reach allows long-range leg kicks and jabs.
• Takedown Defense (73%): Rarely forced to grapple—prefers striking exchanges.
• Experience & Fight IQ: Over a decade at the highest level, multiple Fight-of-the-Night honors.

Weaknesses

• Striking Accuracy (44%): Below-lightweight average—flighty movement can lead to missed combos.
• Cardio at Distance: Avg. fight time 12:12; fades if dragged into deep waters or constant wrestling.
• Age & Durability: Three TKO/KO losses in last five bouts; chin appears more fragile with wear.

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Drakkar Klose Profile

Age & Country: 36, Kalamazoo, United States
Fighting Style: Wrestler-Striker Hybrid
UFC Debut: Jan. 16, 2017
Record: 15–3–1 (6 KOs, 0 Subs)

Recent Form

• Dec. 2024: Loss vs. Joel Álvarez (KO/TKO – R1, 2:48)
• May 2024: Win vs. Joaquim Silva (Decision – Unanimous)
• Dec. 2023: Win vs. Joe Solecki (KO/TKO – R1, 1:41)
• Jul. 2022: Win vs. Rafa Garcia (Decision – Unanimous)
• Apr. 2022: Win vs. Brandon Jenkins (KO/TKO – R2, 0:33)

Strengths

• Volume Striking: 55% sig-strike accuracy; lands high total strikes per minute.
• Takedown Defense (69%): Hard to put on his back—wrestling defense keeps fight standing.
• Cardio & Pace: Avg. fight time 11:20; thrives in three-, five-round wars with relentless forward pressure.
• Versatility: Comfortable mixing boxing combos with double-leg entries to disrupt rhythm.

Weaknesses

• Takedown Offense (28%): Attempts often stifled by elite defensive wrestlers.
• Power Deficit: Six KOs in 19 total bouts—less fight-ending pop compared to Barboza.
• Striking Defense (50%): Middle-of-the-road—vulnerable to counterstrikes and leg kicks.
• Early Vulnerability: Two first-round KO losses in last four fights suggest cautious starts.

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Head-to-Head Key Questions

• Can Barboza keep the fight at kicking range long enough to pick Klose apart?
• Will Klose’s cardio and forward pressure neutralize Barboza’s leg-kick arsenal?
• Whose chin holds up first under power strikes or wrestling takedown attempts?

This clash of pace vs. power, youth vs. experience, sets the stage for a compelling stylistic battle—pivotal for both men’s lightweight trajectories.

Odds and Betting History

Current Betting Odds

Heading into UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago, Edson Barboza is the clear favorite across major sportsbooks, while Drakkar Klose holds underdog status. Here’s a snapshot of the current moneyline:

• Edson Barboza (Favorite)

  • BetMGM: -150
  • FanDuel: -150
  • BetOnline.ag: -150
  • DraftKings: -155
  • BetRivers: -155

• Drakkar Klose (Underdog)

  • BetMGM: +125
  • FanDuel: +118
  • BetOnline.ag: +130
  • DraftKings: +130
  • BetRivers: +120

Key Takeaways:

• Barboza is priced between -150 and -155, implying he is favored to win.
• Klose’s line ranges from +118 to +130, highlighting him as the underdog.
• For the sharpest value on Klose, you’d lock in +130 at BetOnline.ag or DraftKings.
• For betting on Barboza, the softest line sits at -150 (BetMGM, FanDuel, BetOnline.ag).

Line Movement Analysis

Although the odds are relatively stable, we’ve seen minor shifts favoring Barboza in the lead-up to fight night:

• Barboza: Early listings at -150 have moved down to -155 at DraftKings and BetRivers, indicating slight money coming in on the Brazilian veteran.
• Klose: Correspondingly, his line dropped from +130 to +120 on BetRivers, with FanDuel offering the longest underdog odds at +118.

These small adjustments suggest that a number of bettors believe Barboza’s experience and striking pedigree give him an edge. However, the variations are modest—there’s no dramatic swing or line crash—so both sides are still attracting interest.

Payout Scenarios & Implied Probabilities

If you’re ready to pull the trigger with a $1,000 wager, here’s what you can expect on a winning bet:

• Betting on Barboza at –150
  • Payout: $1,667 (Your $1,000 stake plus $667 profit)
  • Implied Win Probability: Around 60–62%
• Betting on Klose at +130
  • Payout: $2,300 (Your $1,000 stake plus $1,300 profit)
  • Implied Win Probability: Around 43–45%

Best Sportsbook Picks

• For maximum value on the underdog, use DraftKings or BetOnline.ag to grab +130 on Klose.
• For the favorite, stick with BetMGM, FanDuel, or BetOnline.ag at -150 to minimize your juice.

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With only slight line movement, both camps are getting action. Barboza’s slight odds drop reflects confidence in his veteran savvy and knockout power. Klose’s underdog status still offers a juicy payout for those banking on his relentless pace and wrestling mix. Choose your side and lock in your odds—this is one lightweight clash you won’t want to miss.