by King Hazard
There’s going to be a huge war in the UFC lightweight division in the very near future. A 155-pound bout, which die hard MMA fans are going to love and may even remember it as historical fight.
On Friday, Brazil’s Edson Barboza dropped an early treat regarding his next bout inside the Octagon. During a fan Q&A in Sao Paulo, Barbosa revealed his next fight will be in December at UFC 219 against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
I just got the news a few minutes ago that my next fight will be on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas against Khabib Nurmagomedov, I’m really happy with this opportunity. It’s going to be a war.
The announcement brings some clarity to UFC’s lightweight division, which has been somewhat uncertain without Conor McGregor’s presence to defend the belt. But now it’s starting to sound like McGregor will indeed defend the gold against Tony Ferguson to unify the belts. The winner of Nurmagomedov vs. Barboza will most likely face the champion next.
Barboza, 31, mentioned that Nurmagomedov’s game plan is no longer a secret and will be prepared to go to the ground with him.
Everybody knows his game. It’s no secret to anyone. But I’m a MMA fighter and I’m not afraid of going to the ground with him. If he gives me an opening on the ground, I have a chance to end the fight there. I’m sure that if I go there and do my best, I’ll come out victorious.
I’m a brown belt under Ricardo Almeida and I’m ready, no doubt. People doubt my jiu-jitsu a little bit because most of the fighters wasn’t able to take me down, so they haven’t seen my jiu-jitsu. But I’m ready. But you’ll be surprised.
UFC 219 takes place on December 30th in Las Vegas. Stay tuned to Yell! Magazine for much more daily news in MMA.
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