While most fighters are quick to call out a certain foe after an impressive win, Edson Barboza is taking a different route and calling for a main event fight.
After his big win over Gilbert Melendez at last night’s (Sat., July 23, 2016) UFC on FOX 20 event in Chicago, Illinois (see it again here), the Brazilian bomber proclaimed its high time he gets a five-round fight, and he’s more than proven that he’s ready.
His words during the post-fight show:
“I have five guys in front of me in the rankings. If the UFC gives me one of those guys I’m ready. I think I’m ready to fight five rounds. That’s my fourth co-main event. Please UFC, give me a chance to fight five rounds. I’m ready for this.”
As far as who he wants to face in his headlining duties, Edson has more than a few options lined up:
“I say dos Anjos is a good fight or Khabib or Ferguson. I think a rematch with Ferguson is going to be a good fight. Of course no excuse, but I fought him on just five weeks’ camp…I think if I fight with him three or five rounds it’d be a big war and everybody would see a good fight.”
If you’re wondering why he didn’t take the opportunity to call for a world title fight, it’s simple; his friend and training partner Eddie Alvarez recently claimed the Lightweight strap, so as long as he’s king, Barboza will likely hold off on calling for the shot.
Until then, Joe Silva and Co. have been put on notice: For Edson’s next fight it’s main event or bust.
For complete UFC on FOX 20 results, including play-by-play updates, click here.