Recently, UFC veteran Edson Barboza demanded his release from the UFC.
Edson Barboza has been a top lightweight contender for quite a while now. The Brazilian has fought and defeated some of the best in the game. He has spectacular victories over opponents like Beneil Dariush, Paul Felder and Dan Hooker.
Barboza is an elite striker with a lethal leg kicking game. He has stopped a couple of his fights with leg kicks. He also has the first spinning wheel kick knock out in the UFC. Even Justin Gathje, who has brutal leg kicks and a win over Barboza, described him as the hardest kicker in the division.
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He has a record of 20 wins and 8 losses and has not fought since September of last year. His last fight was a rematch against Paul Felder. Barboza lost to Felder by a close split-decision.
The Brazilian tweeted out to Sean Selby and Dana White asking for his release.
Edson Barboza tweets UFC President Dana White and matchmaker Sean Selby
I’m very thankful for these almost 10 years that I have been working for the company! I gave my best every single fight to put on a show for the fans, but I think it’s time to move on. I don’t have more time to wait. Please let me go.@ufc @seanshelby @danawhite
— Edson Barboza (@EdsonBarbozaJR) March 7, 2020
According to MMA Fighting, close sources have confirmed that Barboza wants to leave the UFC. However, they have not disclosed the reason for his possible departure.
Barboza has come close to fighting for the title many times but he never made it to the top of the mountain. Every time Barboza got some momentum behind him, he would eventually go on to lose to big names.
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Although he had made plans to move to the featherweight division, it seems like we may never to see him fight again.
Barboza is a top talent but the UFC’s lightweight division is a talent stacked division. However, if the Brazilian decides to fight in some other promotions, he has more chances of becoming a world champion. However, he may not make the same amount of money in the UFC.
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It may also be that Barboza is just pressurising the UFC to book him in a fight. Why Barboza is not willing to wait can be understood. The man is 34 years old with over ten plus years and 22 fights in the UFC. It will not be long before the “R” word comes to his mind.
Why do you think Barboza asked for his release? Is it just a tactic to get a match booked or something else?
