The fighter knows that a win over the former WSOF Lightweight Champion is going to get him closer to a UFC Lightweight Title shot.
“If I win this fight it will put me close to the title shot, very close,” Barboza said to MMA Junkie. “The division is a little busy right now, but Dustin will fight for the title and win this fight, and hopefully bring this belt for the gym, for the team, for ATT. My next step is to fight with Gaethje. I’ll beat him, and if I win this fight let’s see what happens.”
Barboza has been with the UFC for over eight years now, but has yet to earn a shot at the lightweight gold.
With his eyes looking towards a potential title shot, one thing Barboza believes is that a war is taking place in Philadelphia.
“I was very happy because I want the best in the world, and that’s a good feeling for me,” Barboza said. “If you see my last couple opponents, I fought against the best guys in the world. I’m one of the best guys in the world. That’s a good feeling. I love my job. It’s a main event. I train for a 25-minute war. That’s what I’m ready for. I train so hard for this fight, and I’m ready for a 25-minute war.”
UFC Fight Night Philadelphia takes place on Saturday, March 30 from the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with Edson Barboza and Justin Gaethje headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on ESPN.
