LAS VEGAS – Having fought a who’s who of opponents throughout his career, UFC 272 is just another fight for [autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag].
Barboza (22-10 MMA, 16-10 UFC) meets unbeaten rising standout Bryce Mitchell (14-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) on Saturday’s main card, and while it’s an opportunity for him to halt a highly touted prospect, Barboza is just looking to put on a show like he always does.
“I don’t need to prove nothing for nobody anymore,” Barboza told reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 272 media day. “I was in the UFC for a long time. Bro, I fought against everybody or whoever the UFC gave me – I fought. I always make weight. I always do everything right, and I don’t need to prove nothing. It’s one more fight. I want to get my ‘W.’ I want to give my best like always, and that’s it.”
[lawrence-related id=2527524,2527528]
Barboza recalls being an unbeaten fighter on the rise himself when he scored one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history against Terry Etim a decade ago. But to still be on this level competing against top-caliber fighters has given the Brazilian a sense of pride.
“He’s a great fighter. He’s undefeated,” Barboza said of Mitchell. “He’s young, hungry. It’s motivating me a lot because like I said, I was in the UFC for a long, long time and still have an opportunity to fight against the best guys in the world – and that’s making me very, very happy.”
UFC 272 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
[listicle id=2527142]
[listicle id=2527349]
[listicle id=2526666]
[vertical-gallery id=610954]