MixedMartialArts.com
News

Barboza: I can be champion

Barboza today spoke to the media and thinks that a big win over Melendez will put him right back into the title picture, and that he is ready to be a champion.

CP
Chris Palmquist
July 22, 2016 · 1 min read
Earn XP for every story you read

Edson Barboza has been in the lightweight top ten for years, but hasn’t quite been able to put together the win streak needed to gain a title shot in a crowded division.

Barboza most recently defeated former champion Anthony Pettis and this weekend fights top contender Gilbert Melendez. Barboza today spoke to the media and thinks that a big win over Melendez will put him right back into the title picture, and that he is ready to be a champion:

First off, what changed was a literal move, he said. I moved to New Jersey. I used to keep going back and forth from Florida to New Jersey, then I said, ‘You know what, I think it’s going to be better for my career if I stay here.’ I moved with my wife. We’ve been here since before Pettis. I’ve been getting ready for a long time, I’ve been constantly learning in my career, and I think this made a difference for the last fight and is going to make a difference in the next one.

I’m not sure if the word would be confidence, in myself, but believing that I can make it. Now I’m sure. I have that in my head now – no one can take it away. I know that I can make it and become champion. The main thing that has changed is that. Now I literally believe that I can be champion.

source: mmajunkie.com

Keep reading

More coverage

Barboza: I can be champion — MixedMartialArts.com