UFC lightweight contender Edson Barboza (8-0) has recently been rumored to be in talks with the UFC about a fight on the “UFC: Rio” card against Japanese superstar and former PRIDE Champion Takanori Gomi (32-7). However, those talks thus far seem to be just what I stated above: rumors.
Barboza’s manager, Alex Davis, recently told MMAJunkie.com that there has been no such discussion. Although the lightweight would be thrilled to fight on a card hosted in his home country against such a high profile name as Gomi, the talks just have not taken place…yet.
"For Edson, it would be an incredible honor to be considered for the 'Rio' card, and another honor for him to fight a legend like Gomi, but we abide by whatever the UFC has in mind for Edson," Davis said.
Davis also explained that Barboza is ready for whomever the UFC places in front of him. Riding high after his second straight UFC victory, and his eighth in a row overall, Barboza is quickly climbing the hype ladder in the UFC lightweight division. The 25 year old entered the UFC with a perfect 6-0 record in November of 2010. He then demolished Mike Lullo via TKO at UFC 123 in his debut and recently beat Anthony Njokuani via unanimous decision in a spectacular “Fight of the Night” performance at this past UFC 128. Barboza, in his two UFC outings, has demonstrated an explosive striking attack that could give any lightweight in the organization serious troubles. His most recent performance has placed him on the contention map and has given him serious credibility in the division. With that being said it seems that the UFC will likely give Barboza a serious test in his next fight against a high profile fighter, maybe one such as Gomi.
Gomi is a legend of the sport but has recently hit some rough terrain during his return to the UFC. The Japanese sensation has gone 1-2 in his last three fights in the octagon with a KO victory over Tyson Girffin and two submission losses to Kenny Florian and Clay Guida. Now trying to bounce back from his most recent loss to Guida, Gomi is ready to take on his next opponent whenever the UFC places him across from someone.
The UFC will make the trip to Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 27 for "UFC: Rio.” The event will mark the company's first trip to Brazil since 1998. The promotion has yet to officially announce any bouts for the night’s fight card, but we can surely expect a very exciting night of high profile fights with plenty of Brazilian fighters placing their skills on display. Barboza is looking forward to a return to the octagon soon, and a fight with a top tier competitor in the division in would be just what the Brazilian is looking for. We’ll have to wait and see if this rumored match-up stems into anything in reality, but a Barboza return is definitely in the works, regardless of his opponent.
Stay posted to BJPenn.com for more news related to the UFC: Rio card and the up and coming Edson Barboza.
By Jake Chastain of BJPENN.COM MMA NEWS
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