Last week, rumors surfaced on a number of websites (Tatame, Portal Vale Tudo, and Kamipro via Fighters Only) reported a potential matchup between lightweights Edson “Junior” Barboza (8-0) and Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi (32-7, 1NC) for the upcoming UFC event in Rio later this summer.
Barboza’s manager has stated that they haven’t been offered that fight yet, but would welcome the matchup for his fighter.
UFC 134/UFC Rio is expected to take place on August 27 at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
“Junior” has since spoke to Tatame.com about a potential fight with “The Fireball Kid”, saying that he wouldn’t shy away from standing with the Japanese fighter, which could certainly have the potential for an explosive matchup.
There were rumors about you fighting Takanori Gomi. How do you see it coming?
But as my manager, Alex Davis, said: it’s just rumors. I was also caught by surprise when I read the new, but I was glad because I’ve always watched him fighting. I’m a MMA pro and UFC employee, and I’ll fight whoever they tell me to.Gomi’s got great striking skills, but it didn’t bring him any good results on UFC. How do you think this bout would be like?
It could be a great fight, I wouldn’t run from striking with him. But as my manager said, it’s just rumors, but I’d be happy to have this opportunity.Do you dream about fighting in UFC Rio?
Sure it’d be great because all my family and friends would be there watching me, but I don’t see it as a dream, because my focus if fighting, no matter where I am, even because when the cage’s zipped, it’s all the same anywhere in the world. I let it to UFC to decide what they think is best. And I can feel the energy of my friends and family anywhere I go. But I’d be a great honor fighting in my country.