Edson Barboza accepts a duel against Khabib: “Let’s see what he does”

Barboza may face Khabib on December 30th (Photo: Reproduction/CombatePlay)

Edson Barboza There is still no official date for his return to the octagon, but, it seems, his next challenge should be the Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov. In an interview with the website 'MMA Fighting', the Brazilian revealed that he was offered a fight against Khabib for UFC 217, on December 30th, in Las Vegas (USA), and, according to him, all that remains is for the European to accept the fight.

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“They offered me this fight and I accepted. He said I'll be ready by December 30th and now it's up to him. Let's see what he does. I saw an interview where he said he would fight me if Conor McGregor going to fight with Tony Ferguson. Dana White has already said that this fight will happen, so I believe that my next fight will be against Khabib”, declared the Rio native.

Undefeated in 24 professional fights, including eight in the UFC, Nurmagomedov is considered by many to be the best lightweight in the world. The Russian's status, however, does not scare Barboza, who guarantees he is ready to declare the first defeat for Khabib's record.

“I see myself winning, that’s all. I see myself winning all my fights, and this one is no different. I really see myself winning this fight. I'm in the best shape of my life, more excited than ever. I'm just waiting for a phone call. I want to fight the best, someone closer to me. I'm ready. You have no idea. I feel 100%, and I'm ready for a big war, as always. Every time I enter the Octagon you see a big war, and the next time will be no different. I’m really ready for a war”, he concluded.

Edson Barboza comes from three important consecutive victories, achieving dominant decisions over the former UFC champion Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez, as well as a devastating knockout over Beneil Dariush, in his last fight, at UFC Fortaleza. Number 3 in the lightweight rankings, Edson hasn't lost since December 2015, when he was submitted by Tony Ferguson. In total, there are 17 fights held in the company, with 13 positive results and four negative results.

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