Despite the long and winding road Edson Barboza has traveled in his MMA career, the UFC still sees fit to book him into main events, as is the case this weekend at UFC Vegas 81.
That has Barboza (23-11) feeling upbeat heading into his fight with Sodiq Yusuff at the UFC Apex.
“It’s a long, long way and UFC still blesses me to have the opportunity to fight against the best guys in the world. Fight in the main event. I’m very happy,” Barboza said during this week’s UFC Vegas 81 media day. The 37-year old has been with the promotion since 2010. “I love the company, I love the opportunity they give to me. And I’m going to show, like always, every time I step in the octagon I give a good show for everybody.”
Saturday, stressed Barboza, “is not going to be different.”
In Sodiq Yusuff, who has gotten over with UFC fans over the past year thanks to his wildly entertaining series of “Unprofessional Breakdown” videos, Barboza sees one of the best fighters on Earth. “He’s a great fighter, he’s definitely one of the best of the world,” noted Barboza. “Number 11, in front of me in the ranks. It’s going to be a war, like always.”
The Brazilian also reacted to a photo he posted recently that got a lot of traction on social media. For lack of a better word, the snap had Barboza looking yoked. Despite some of the reactions online, Barboza suggested that photos don’t always tell the truth.
“If you see the picture, I’m looking huge, but I know I’m not that huuugge,” Barboza said with a laugh. “Pictures lie to us a little bit— but definitely looking good.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 81 media day appearance by Edson Barboza above. The event takes place this Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
