Edson Barboza Wants Main Event With RDA, Khabib, Or Ferguson Next
No. 6-ranked UFC lightweight Edson “Junior” Barboza scored a convincing decision victory over returning former Strikeforce champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 20 last night (July 23, 2016) from Chicago, Illinois. Barboza battered Melendez over the course of three rounds with his arsenal of devastating leg kicks, and he should be in line for a marquee matchup after the victory.
In fact, the Brazilian, who spoke at the post-fight show, has his eyes set on a main event bout next time out:
“I have five guys in front of me in the rankings. If the UFC gives me one of those guys I’m ready. I think I’m ready to fight five rounds. That’s my fourth co-main event. Please UFC, give me a chance to fight five rounds. I’m ready for this.”
Barboza also has a list of possible opponents in mind, specifically citing former champion Rafael dos Anjos, longtime No. 1 contender Khabib Nurmagomedov, and former foe Tony Ferguson. “Junior” came up short against “El Cucuy” when the two met in December 2015, but he appears to have revenge on his mind:
“I say dos Anjos is a good fight or Khabib or Ferguson. I think a rematch with Ferguson is going to be a good fight. Of course no excuse, but I fought him on just five weeks’ camp…I think if I fight with him three or five rounds it’d be a big war and everybody would see a good fight.”
A fight with any of the aforementioned contenders would likely make since for Barboza, who could be nearing a title shot of his own. One key fact to note, however, is that Barboza is a friend and teammate of reigning 155-pound champion Eddie Alvarez which could provide for a tricky situation.
Who would you like to see the Brazilian striker face off with next?
