Edson Barboza of Brazil looks on against Dan Ige of the United States in their Featherweight bout during UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 16, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
It was a great night for the Brazilians, Charles Oliveira and Edson Barboza, as they both notched up victories at UFC 262
Edson Barboza has slowly begun climbing the rungs of the featherweight ladder, as his victory over Shane Burgos at UFC 262, propelled him to number 9 in the featherweight rankings.
The Brazilian knocked out Burgos in a rather peculiar fashion, after his right hook caught Burgos in the head, and knocked him out, a whopping 6 seconds later.
Barboza himself hasn’t come to terms with how things panned out at UFC 262.
He has now stitched up two victories in a row, and has found his footing in the featherweight division, after going on a horrific win barren run in the lightweight division.
Elsewhere, Charles Oliveira from Brazil, won the vacant lightweight championship the same night, against Michael Chandler. And Barboza has sought him as an inspiration in his push for the title.
When asked by Ariel Helwani of ESPN MMA if his countryman Oliveira’s victory will have an impact on him winning the title, Barboza replied without hesitation that, it would. He then went on to say how blessed he was to fight on the same night as Oliveira.
Barboza said:
“100 percent [impact on him winning the title]. For sure. I saw him, he motivates me a lot. He’s a really nice guy. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to fight in the same night as him…I have seen him…I have followed his whole UFC career…I’m happy for him and happy for me too.”
Barboza had to break ‘massive’ sweat to see off Shane Burgos. It took him almost the entire three rounds.
He was asked by Helwani, when he would like to return to the Octagon. Barboza stated that he would like to come back as quickly as August, and would like to take on a top 5 featherweight. The Brazilian felt that he deserved it.
“I want to return by the end of August…Thank God I’m still healthy [after the tiring fight]. I want to fight top 5. I think I really deserve a top 5 guy.”
Barboza is clear with his plans. Beat a top 5 guy, break into the top 5. Follow it up with another win, and get the title shot.
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