Could UFC Fight Night 45 finally be Edson Barboza’s breakout performance?

Even though Edson Barboza’s UFC record shows far more wins than losses, his opportunities to break into the top 10 have produced disappointing results.

Look no further than his most recent bout, a first-round submission loss to Donald Cerrone at UFC on FOX 11. Barboza was getting the better of “Cowboy” on the feet until a mental miscue led to a knockdown and, eventually, the submission finish.

A win over Cerrone would have marked Barboza’s (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) fourth consecutive victory and his eighth in nine UFC appearances. His name would have catapulted into the top 10 of the UFC’s lightweight division. Instead, he’s attempting to avoid the first two-fight losing streak of his career when he meets Evan Dunham (14-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) on Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 45.

The Cerrone fight taught the Brazilian it only takes one mistake for months – or even years – of hard work to come crashing down. He’s experienced it already, and he vows not to let it happen again.

“The level is very high in the UFC,” Barboza told MMAjunkie. “A single error usually means that you’ll lose the fight. … I needed to work on my defense, so I worked a little more on my defense.”

Even with the loss to Cerrone in April, Barboza remains one of the more fascinating athletes in the UFC’s 155-pound division. That’s likely why he was placed in the co-main event opposite Dunham on Wednesday’s FOX Sports 1-televised fight card at Atlantic City, N.J.’s Revel Resort Hotel.

Like Barboza, Dunham also had had an up-and-down UFC career. He enters UFC Fight Night 45 with three losses in his past four fights, with his most recent defeat also coming to Cerrone.

The matchup pits Barboza’s flashy, high-impact striking style against Dunham’s methodical, grinding pace that can wear down opponents.

Barboza, as always, said he will be hunting for a highlight-reel knockout finish. If he can’t get it, though, he feels his advantages over Dunham carry into several other meaningful areas.

“Everyone has their own weapons, and my leg kicks are good for sure,” Barboza said. “I think I’m faster, more athletic. I’m a better striker. Dunham is very tough, a very tough guy. He’s really tough. He’s coming hard to knock me out. I’m going to try and knock him out, and that’s it.”

Barboza’s UFC current resume – which includes four “Fight of the Night” bonuses – is unquestionably impressive, even if it’s sprinkled with a few disappointing setbacks. Still, the 28-year-old isn’t close to satisfied.

He believes Dunham’s style will bring out his best, though, and Barboza expects to jump back into the win column with his most memorable showing to date.

“He’s an excellent fighter and a very exciting fighter,” Barboza said. “The UFC fans will see the best Edson Barboza they’ve ever seen.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 45, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.