Barboza (left) was submitted by Ferguson (right) in 2015. (Photo: Jeff Bottari/UFC)
The Brazilian Edson Barboza, who comes from three consecutive victories, heard Tony Ferguson complain that Nate diaz he refused to fight him for the interim lightweight title and made himself available to the American. “El Cucuy” would fight for the interim belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 209, but the Russian had a serious stomach problem the day before the weigh-in and the duel didn't get off the ground. “Guaranteed” in any title fight, Ferguson is looking for an opponent and Edson thinks he deserves the chance which, in his opinion, is for the real title, in possession of Conor McGregor.
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“I don’t see McGregor as a real champion. He has the belt, but…I have almost 20 fights in this division, Tony Ferguson has more than 10 fights, Khabib Nurmagomedov There are almost 10 fights. I see the next champion coming off an interim title shot. I hope the UFC gives me the chance to fight with Tony Ferguson, because he says he wants to fight and I want to fight. He says he's ready for July. It's the perfect time for me. I'll be ready in July too. Why not?” commented Barboza, in an interview with the North American program MMA Junkie Radio.
If it gets off the ground, the duel between Edson and Ferguson will be a rematch, as the North American submitted the Brazilian in the first meeting between the two, in December 2015. Since then, Barboza has won Anthony Pettis, Gilbert Melendez and Beneil Dariush. “El Cucuy” surpassed Lando vannata e Rafael Dos Anjos in the same period.
“In the last fight, I had four weeks to prepare, I agreed to face him with that time to train. It was one of the best fights of the year. This rematch makes sense, both for me and for him. Can you imagine five rounds between me and Tony?” pondered Edson.
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