OKTAGON 27: Buchinger vs. Barborik – Preview and betting tips

Match of the Century 2? Definitely for the Slovak MMA bubble. The legendary Ivan Buchinger and the still great hope Vojto Barborik will fight for the Octagon featherweight title. Who is the favourite and how will the fight turn out?

A fight between a legend and a huge hope. Ivan Buchinger has picked up one success after another during his career, Vojto Barborik at 28 years old still has his best ahead of him.

Two likeable fighters, both ambitious and both want to succeed. They both enjoy ground disciplines, but they are not behind in attitude either. It’s going to be a fascinating and very attractive fight.

According to the bookmakers, Buchinger is the slight favourite, but the opinion that Barborik is more predatory and confident is often prevalent among the Czechoslovak MMA personalities.

There is virtually no consensus on who should actually win the fight. Both fighters have a chance. It is hardly possible to predict the course of the fight. Both fighters like to fight on the ground, but ironically, ground fights are often fought standing up.

Barborik might have an advantage in the standup, he’s worked on it a lot. Besides, he could be more technical on the ground. However, Buchinger has experience with big fights, he has several five round fights under his belt. Conditioning wise, he’ll no doubt be ready.

A quick end is probably not in the cards. Barborik won’t be surprised, Buchinger can take a punch for a change and he probably won’t be surprised on the ground either. The closer the fight gets to the fifth round, the better Buchinger’s chances of winning should be.

A bet on the winner of the fight is a bet on uncertainty. But a bet on the rounds might already be less of a lottery. It could very well come down to points.