Edson Barboza is now 2-1 since dropping down to the featherweight division and currently sports back-to-back wins over Makwan Amirkhani and Shane Burgos, the latter of which came by way of third-round knockout at UFC 262.
That should be enough to propel the former lightweight into a Top 5 battle against some of the biggest names in the division, like former champion Max Holloway, assuming matchmakers credit him for time served at 155 pounds.
“Make a fight, me and Holloway, five rounds, that would be crazy,” Barboza told MMA Junkie. “That would be 100 percent people would love this fight. Me against (Calvin) Kattar, me against (Yair) Rodriguez. I really believe I deserve a Top 5 guy because my last two fights.”
With his victory at UFC 262, Barboza improved four spots to No. 9 in the 145-pound rankings. That still puts him out of reach when it comes to the No. 1-ranked Holloway, and perhaps even Rodriguez (No. 3), making Kattar (No. 5) the more likely option.
If Barboza is going to make a run at the 145-pound title, currently held by Alexander Volkanovski, he’ll need matchmakers to help expedite his request. The Brazilian turned 35 back in January and may be in the midst of his final leg as a championship contender.