The UFC’s lightweight division garnered a lot of attention in the last few weeks. But for veteran fighter, Edson Barboza (19-5) none of the antics surrounding UFC 223 made him lose focus from his main event fight with Kevin Lee (16-4) this Saturday night at UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Lee in Atlantic City, NJ. “I really don’t think about what happened the last couple weeks,” said Barboza. “I’m focused 100% on me and what I need to do.”
It’s that focus and drive that has made Barboza one of the most respected and feared strikers in MMA. “When they asked me to fight Lee I said yes of course lets go,” explained Barboza. “Everyone knows that when I step into the octagon I put on a good show.”
Barboza’s last loss to current UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, put a halt to his three fight win streak and rumors of a title fight between Numagomedov and Conor McGregor have been swirling around the MMA landscape this week. But by the way things have been going in his division; he wouldn’t be surprised if he got his chance for the title after a win over Lee this weekend. “Yeah man, why not,” said Barboza. “Fighting in this division, you never know what’s going to happen next. I feel like if I get past this, I’ll get my title shot.”
Having fought some of the best in the business since making his debut into the UFC back in 2010, Barboza’s fights always leave the fans with highlights to watch long after the fights are over and on Saturday night, he looks to deliver one more for the books. “Be ready and don’t blink,” said Barboza. I’m ready for a twenty-five minute war and I’m very happy to fight in the main event.”
Edson Barboza faces Kevin Lee in a lightweight battle in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Lee this Saturday night LIVE on FS1. 10pm ET/7pm PT.
Photo credit: Getty Images/Zuffa, LLC.
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