E. Barboza at UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @edsonbarbozajr
Case Dustin poirier manage to shock the world and defeat Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main fight of UFC 242, the North American should give special thanks to the Brazilian Edson Barboza. According to the Friborg native, who is Dustin's training partner on 'American Top Team', he gave tips on what it's like to face the Russian in a fight. The statement was made in a recent interview with 'BJPenn.com'.
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“I helped Dustin (Poirier) a lot. Just with my experience of having faced Khabib, knowing what he does in fights and his tendencies. But, Dustin looks amazing. He trained very hard and we know he will win and bring another belt to the 'American Top Team'. However, my experience facing Khabib is my version. Me and Dustin have different styles and I helped him with everything I could”, said the Brazilian.
When he faced Nurmagomedov, in December 2017, at UFC 219, Barboza ended up defeated by the Russian in a unanimous decision by the judges. The setback for the current champion put an end to a streak of three consecutive victories for the Friborg native.
Edson, in turn, says he is excited to watch his team partner, who holds the interim title of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) fight against the lineal champion. For the Brazilian, the main fight of the night should be exciting for the public.
“It will be a great fight between the greatest athletes in the world. It will be a 50% fight. No one can make a mistake in this fight, because if you make a mistake, the fight will be over. I'm very excited to see Poirier compete and fight for the belt. After my fight, I run to the locker room and watch. It will be a great confrontation”, concluded the Friborg native.
Although he is rooting for Dustin, Barboza will also be one of the protagonists of the night. The Brazilian will appear in the co-main fight of the night and will face Paul felder, in the repeat of a fight that took place in 2015, in which Edson came out on top.
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