With a fight this Saturday, Edson Barboza relies on his UFC history to get closer to a title fight

E. Barboza performs at UFC Fight Island 5. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Known for the aggressiveness with which he conducts his confrontations, Edson Barboza is synonymous with entertainment. This Saturday (10), the Brazilian returns to the octagon to face mawan amirkhani, UFC Fight Island 5, in Abu Dhabi and, in an exclusive conversation with SUPER LUTAS, he spoke about his desire to win to continue towards the top of the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg.).

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The weekend will mark Barboza's second appearance at featherweight. Considered, for years, one of the most dangerous lightweight athletes (up to 70,3kg), the Friborg native arrived in the group to surprise his teammates who also dream of a chance to fight for the belt.

Feeling of acting among the feathers

In the UFC for almost 10 years, Edson has always been considered an elite athlete in the organization. Respected by his rivals, the Brazilian is now part of the group led by Alexander Volkanovsky. Even though he lost on his debut, in a controversial decision against Dan Ige, the Friborg native had a good performance and spoke about the feeling of playing in the lighter division.

“One of my main thoughts was to lose weight, look good and not get tired. I managed to have that (in the last fight). That was one of the reasons I fought at 145 pounds (65,7kg.) again”, said the fighter.

Opponent analysis

This weekend, the Brazilian will face a rival who has a lot of experience in Ultimate. Amirkhani has been a company athlete since 2015. Therefore, the Brazilian knows what to expect in the confrontation against the Finn. Barboza then explained how he thinks his opponent will try to play out the fight.

“It’s an MMA fight, of course. Anything could happen, but I believe he will try to take me down, right from the start. He's going to try like crazy to take me down, but he's only going to try (laughs). I'm very prepared for this fight, man, so I think he's going to try to stick, get as close as possible to avoid getting hit”, explained Edson.

Positive history for title fight

In Ultimate since 2010, Barboza still dreams of competing for an organization title. With a competitive spirit up to date, even after three consecutive defeats, the athlete knows that his history within the company could favor a fight for the belt. To do this, the fighter needs to put on a show in his next commitments.

“I think based on my history, almost 10 years with the company, at 155 pounds (lightweight), I fought almost everyone. I just didn't fight everyone because some didn't want to face me (laughs). So, without a doubt, a good victory this Saturday will put me ahead and I think I did, I can get very close to a title fight”, he concluded.

This weekend's commitment will mark the 30th fight of Edson Barboza as a professional in MMA. The fighter today has 20 victories and nine defeats.

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