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