For a chance at the title, Edson Barboza aims for a duel against Nate Diaz

E. Barboza (photo) is coming off two consecutive victories and is 5th in the lightweight rankings. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Light weight  Edson Barboza He doesn't have a fight scheduled yet, but if it depends on his wishes, his next commitment will be later this year. The opponent? Someone who, if he wins, puts him close to a title shot in the category. And for this, two names were 'challenged': Nate diaz e Michael chiesa.

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"Nate diaz He's a big name, he's been in the UFC for a long time, he's a great fighter. Some guys from my division are available now. Diaz is available. Michael chiesa is available. I hope the UFC calls me soon because I'm still training and hoping for a quick call. These two guys are really good. Michael chiesa is coming off some victories. Nate diaz It's very, very hard. It's a war. I always enter the octagon and train for war and, if I fight these two guys, it will be a war” declared Edson, in an interview with the North American website 'Fox Sports'.

Training partner of Eddie Alvarez, current UFC lightweight champion, Barboza sees his partner as an example to be followed. “I'm in a good position in the rankings, I need a big fight. Eddie Alvarez is a good example. He beat two good guys and got the title shot. I think I'm pretty close. I need another big fight and I will definitely stay close to a title shot. I've been in the UFC for a long time. I think I deserve a big fight to put me close to a title shot,” he added.

Edson Barboza already played twice in 2016: won Anthony Pettis, in April, and Gilbert Melendez, in July, both by points. At 30 years old, the Rio native has 12 wins and four losses in the UFC.

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