E. Barboza (right) lamented the setback for Khabib (left) (Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc)
A few weeks after the harsh defeat suffered by Khabib Nurmagomedov, Edson Barboza spoke about the setback and admitted to having “fallen into the Russian’s game”. The Brazilian made no excuses for his performance, but assured that he remains focused on the UFC lightweight title and intends to return to the Octagon as soon as possible.
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In an interview with the North American website MMA Fighting, Barboza admitted that he didn't expect to see his opponent moving forward all the time and this affected his rhythm and his plan for the duel.
“I really didn’t expect to lose. I was very sad the week after the fight, because I was very well prepared, I had a wonderful training camp. It was a tough defeat, without a doubt. I knew he wouldn't be able to pin me in the middle of the octagon, so I worked hard to stay away from the cage, but he managed to impose his game. The problem was that I fell into his game. I spent 15 minutes playing his game. I didn't expect to see him moving forward, in all his fights he walked backwards before trying takedowns. I was prepared for that, but I thought he was going to avoid striking anymore. I was surprised”, commented the Brazilian.
Through his Instagram, Barboza revealed that he wants to return to the octagon as soon as possible and, in an interview with the website MMA Junkie, the Brazilian revealed that he intends to return in March, as he did not suffer any injuries in the fight with Nurmagomedov.
“I didn’t need to take any medication after the fight. I didn't have any injuries. Without a doubt, I want to return as soon as possible. Maybe mid-March would be really cool (…) I wouldn't fight Eddie Alvarez (teammate), but anyone else close to me in the rankings would be good. There's Gaethje, there's Kevin Lee, there are people there in the middle. So, whoever is available, I will fight for sure”, he guaranteed.
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