- Barlow's 3-fight UFC win streak vs Santos' UFC debut creates experience gap
- 4-inch reach advantage with southpaw vs orthodox creates distance control for Barlow
- Barlow's proven UFC durability (52% striking defense) vs Santos' untested chin
- Weight class advantage as Barlow moves up from 170 to 185 vs Santos cutting to 185
Write-up
Barlow enters on a 3-fight win streak with superior momentum and UFC experience. His 4-inch reach advantage and southpaw stance create awkward angles for the orthodox Santos. Santos lacks UFC experience (0-0 record) and his striking differential (+2.94) comes from regional competition. Barlow's perfect takedown defense (100%) neutralizes Santos' wrestling threat. The fight at middleweight favors Barlow who naturally competes at welterweight.
- Higher striking accuracy for Santos (55% vs 50%)
- Superior strike differential (2.94 vs 2.24)
- Additional takedown threat from Santos
Write-up
Both fighters have high output and similar striking defense, but Santos edges Barlow in striking accuracy, strike differential, and adds a limited but statistically significant wrestling threat. Barlow's perfect takedown defense should neutralize most grappling, but Santos' volume, efficiency, and mixed attack give him a slight edge over three rounds.