Edson Barboza – Page 11 – Syndication Server

Josh Emmett looking to book new UFC contract, clears air on Edson Barboza fight rumors

Josh Emmett explains that while the name has been discussed, there was no deal in place to face Edson Barboza on May 2.

[autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag] is not one to turn down opponents, but he was surprised to see his next fight announced without even knowing about it.

It was posted on various media outlets that Emmett (15-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) would face [autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag] at UFC Oklahoma City on May 2, which was news to Emmett.

Emmett told MMA Junkie that while the name had been discussed, there was certainly no deal in place to face Barboza.

“When my wife and I were in Vietnam, my manager asked me, just because the UFC threw out a name, and they’re like, ‘Hey, they’re wondering if you wanted to fight Edson Barboza April 25 in Nebraska,'” Emmett said. “And at this time, I was on vacation. I was injured – that’s why I was out there – and I was thinking that was just too soon. I wasn’t even coming back to the States for another week or two.

“I actually just found out online. I was on the phone with my manager when this was put out there and I was asking him about possible dates, possible opponents, and then my phone was blowing up and I opened Instagram. … I was like, ‘Oh, they announced this fight,’ They never even asked me.”

Emmett was scheduled to face Arnold Allen at UFC on ESPN+ 24 in January, but was forced out due to an undisclosed injury. He was targeting a return starting mid-May through July, but was initially offered the Barboza fight too early. Emmett said that while it was never going to happen on May 2, he is open to facing Barboza in the future.

“I’m really not opposed to the fight, but they have to ask me,” Emmett said. “I never got the call. I never asked to fight on that date or against him there, and I just saw people (saying), ‘Oh, I’m going to buy tickets to this,’ and I felt bad because I don’t even have a bout agreement. They haven’t even asked me to fight in Oklahoma, and supposedly it was going down.

“I also have one fight left on my contract, so the whole thing with that is, I was saying I’ll fight anybody – it just has to make sense because from a business standpoint and what I’m trying to accomplish. If Barboza were to come down to featherweight, it’s high risk for not much of a reward. He comes down – say he beats me. Then he takes my spot, and they probably push him. For me – I win, I stay where I’m at.”

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Since dropping down to featherweight, Emmett has won four of five and is coming off back-to-back finishes of Michael Johnson and Mirsad Bektic. He’s hoping to secure a fight against a top-ranked opponent next, but so far hasn’t been offered the names he’s looking for.

Barboza, on the other hand, has lost four of his past five. So Emmett hopes that with one fight left on his contract the UFC would sweeten the pot if he’s offered the Barboza fight again.

“I’m not opposed to it,” Emmett said. “It has to make sense, and in that case (Barboza), whether there’s something in there, I beat him, then I get this. Or financially, if it’ll set me up for later on, then of course – yeah, I’m open to it. But it has to make sense. He’s a threat. He’s a dangerous fighter, but it seems like I’m fighting all these people behind me, or I’m always the person, when someone is coming down from ’55, I’m the one to stay there when I do want to move forward.”

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Josh Emmett clears the air on Edson Barboza fight rumors

Video: Relive every wheel kick finish in UFC history – including Edson Barboza’s legendary KO

Watch every wheel kick finish in UFC history, including Edson Barboza’s incredible knockout over Terry Etim.

One of the greatest knockouts in UFC history came by way of a wheel kick.

[autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag]’s wheel kick knockout over Terry Etim is one of the most brutal and famous finishes in the promotion’s history.

Barboza is the only fighter to finish UFC fights with a leg kick, body kick, knee and head kick, but none are bigger than his finish over Etim.

There have been a few spectacular wheel kick finishes from the sport’s best kickers, ranging from lightweights all the way to heavyweights. Check out the latest video compilation from the UFC showing every wheel kick knockout in the promotion’s history.

For those who haven’t seen these finishes, we won’t spoil who won or how, but the compilation includes:

Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim – UFC 142 (Jan. 14, 2012)
Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt – UFC 160 (May 25, 2013)
Stephen Thompson vs. Jake Ellenberger – TUF 21 Finale (July 12, 2015)
Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold – UFC on FX 8 (May 18, 2013)
Thiago Santos vs. Jack Marshman – UFC Fight Night 105 (Feb. 19, 2017)
Daron Cruickshank vs. Mike Rio – UFC on Fox 10 (Jan. 25, 2014)
Lando Vannata vs. John Makdessi – UFC 206 (Dec. 10, 2016)
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Sean Strickland – UFC 224 (May 12, 2018)

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Edson Barboza gives advantage to Tony Ferguson over Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249

Edson Barboza explains why he gives a slight edge to Tony Ferguson over Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249.

[autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag] is familiar with both men in the UFC 249 main event.

UFC 249 is headlined by lightweight champion [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag], who defends his title against [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag]. Barboza has fought both of them.

Barboza, who suffered losses in tough battles against both fighters, told Helen Yee he gives the edge to Ferguson.

“I think Ferguson has a little advantage because he’s a little bit better striker,” Barboza said. “He’s a little bit more creative. Everybody knows what Khabib is doing, but he’s doing it very well. Everybody knows, but nobody can stop it. But I feel Ferguson has a little bit (of an edge) because he’s more creative – you never know what’s coming.

“Both guys are super powerful, but I think Khabib is more powerful, especially on the ground. He’s a little bit stronger. But some things, Khabib is better, some things Tony Ferguson is better. That’s what makes the match very exciting.”

Barboza went five rounds with Nurmagomedov at UFC 219 and survived a one-sided, 15-minute beating. He had his moments on the feet, but it was all Nurmagomedov on the ground.

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Against Ferguson at the TUF 22 Finale in 2015, Barboza went through a thrilling and bloody battle in which both men stood toe-to-toe and traded. Ferguson was able to cut Barboza badly with an elbow, and ultimately capitalize on a scramble on the ground to lock in a D’Arce choke submission.

Having experienced both men at their best, Barboza said the main factor is Ferguson’s unpredictability.

“It’s going to be a great fight,” he said. “I’m very excited for this one. It’s funny, because sometimes I think about this fight and say, ‘Man, it’s a good fight for Khabib.’ But at the same time, Ferguson is hard to fight because of his style. He’s a little bit different with everybody.”

Barboza, who’s lost four out of his past five, recently announced that he will move down to 145 pounds. He has yet to have a fight booked.

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20 fight finishes that shaped the 2010s in MMA

This list is filled with shocking and sensational knockouts and submissions from the 2010s.

Given that my colleagues already have done a fantastic job of covering everything from the top fighters to the top moments of the decade, I figured I’d contribute to the retrospective content by examining some of the more memorable fight finishes from the last 10 years – parsing out technical trends and evolution while paying homage to performances that are worthy of the ole “Baba O’Riley” highlight reel.

As you’d hope with any maturing sport, the cultural fist-fighting phenomena that is MMA has improved from many perspectives.

Aside from the obvious growth of audience and accessibility, the quality of fighting, in general, has seen a sure-and-steady uptick since 2010 – particularly in the athleticism department. In fact, you could argue that one of the quiet benefits to the global expansion and corporate interest-era of this past decade is the increase in the level of athletes we’re seeing accumulate in MMA’s proverbial talent pools.

Not only have more Olympic medalists and collegiate athletes successfully made the jump to mixed martial arts, but we’ve also seen small countries like Surname or unassuming giants like China make their mark in regards to flexing their athletic powers. Coupled with the ever-growing index of techniques (from fighting to fight prep), and we’ve been privy to fighters – from all around the world – finding increasingly fun and explosive ways to finish fights.

Since it’s practically impossible to include all of the best fight finishes from the past 10 years, I decided to limit myself to 20 selections that I believe helped shape the state of fighting over the last 10 years.

Without further ado …

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‘Shogun Rua’ knocks out Lyoto Machida

‘Shogun’ Rua and Lyoto Machida at UFC 113. (Getty Images)

Date: May 6, 2010
Event: UFC 113

With Frankie Edgar dethroning B.J. Penn just one month prior, the decade starts off with what are the beginnings of a trend in regards to “auras of invincibility” being shattered, as well as stylistic conundrums being figured out. And sure enough, after finishing the previous decade off with a sour decision at UFC 104, [autotag]Mauricio Rua[/autotag] exacted his revenge in 2010 by emphatically ending the undefeated streak of then-light heavyweight champion [autotag]Lyoto Machida[/autotag] at UFC 113.

Not only did Rua build off of his previous successes of low kicks and right hands to eventually find the crashing counter, but he also provided a useful blueprint for future fighters when it comes to dealing with karate stylists in mixed martial arts (see Douglas Lima vs. Michael Page or Anthony Pettis vs. Stephen Thompson).

Fabricio Werdum submits Fedor Emelianenko

Fabricio Werdum and Fedor Emelianenko in 2010. (Getty Images)

Date: June 26, 2010
Event: Strikeforce/M-1 Global: “Fedor vs. Werdum”

As I mentioned, 2010 in MMA was essentially the first few seasons of “Game of Thrones” wrapped into one year in regards to watching our heroes fall.

[autotag]Fedor Emelianenko[/autotag], who finishes 2009 with a surprisingly competitive fight with Brett Rogers, starts off the decade with a rude reminder from [autotag]Fabricio Werdum[/autotag] that the guard still works in mixed martial arts.

At this particular time in the sport, the jiu-jitsu guard was trending down both in popularity and proven application at the highest levels; therefore seeing someone like Fedor (of all people) falling into the grappling honeytrap was incredibly surprising. To Werdum’s credit, he masterfully played possum like an NBA player trying to draw an offensive foul, further placating Fedor’s strong sense of security from topside – something that ultimately cost the Russian his legendary winning streak.

Anderson Silva submits Chael Sonnen

Date: Aug. 7, 2010
Event: UFC 117

It’s hard to forget fights that happen on your birthday, especially when it comes to classics like this one.

[autotag]Chael Sonnen[/autotag], who had surprised me with his brand of promotional candor since his WEC victory over Bryan Baker, ended up surprising us all by backing up his words when taking on the great [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] at UFC 117.

After four-plus rounds of domination from Sonnen, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Silva was going by the wayside like Fedor, Penn and Machida had done months before him. However, despite being down on the scorecards (as well as sporting an injured rib), Silva shows off elite, clutch-player sensibilities that would make the likes of Michael Jordan or Reggie Miller proud, as the then-UFC champ secured a triangle-armbar submission in the fifth round that reminded us all there are no safe spaces in MMA so long as there’s time on the clock.

Edson Barboza TKOs Mike Lullo

Date: Nov. 20, 2010
Event: UFC 123

Legend bashing wasn’t the only thing going on in MMA back in 2010, as there were fighters like [autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag] stepping onto the scene to help start/reinforce the trend of leg bashing.

Sure, the decade prior had a solid offering of leg kickers like Pedro Rizzo, Pat Barry and Antoni Hardonk, but it’s hard to ignore that those men were all heavyweights while Barboza – the only fighter to officially earn two leg-kick TKOs under the UFC banner – is a lightweight.

Of course, Jose Aldo’s domination over Urijah Faber at WEC 48 would’ve also been a great example to list if it fit the bill for a fight finish, but it’s ultimately hard to deny Barboza’s consistent commitment to killing his opposition with kicks, as well as his contributions toward this decade’s trend of attacking the legs.

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UFC’s Edson Barboza dropping to featherweight; manager endorses ‘fresh start’

Alex Davis believes Edson Barboza is “going to be a problem for the division” provided he cuts weight the proper way.

Longtime UFC lightweight contender [autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag] will be making a significant change in 2020.

After fighting a plethora of elite names at 155 pounds since his UFC debut in November 2010, the Brazilian will exit the division. Four losses in his past five fights have prompted Barboza (20-8 MMA, 14-8 UFC) to drop to featherweight, as was first reported by Combate.

MMA Junkie confirmed the decision with Barboza’s manager, Alex Davis, on Tuesday that the striking specialist is looking to make his debut at 145 pounds in the first quarter of 2020.

“The move to 145, provided he feels good, opens a lot of opportunity for him,” Davis told MMA Junkie. “I’m really more of a fan of seeing guys go up in weight than down. I’ve been more successful like that, for example with Thiago Santos. But in Edson’s case, he actually has a harder time staying heavy than he does dropping weight. I think that the way he sits in the 155 division, it makes sense for him to try 145. I think that after what (Jose) Aldo did, I personally did not think Aldo looked good at all, but we were all proved wrong. I think that Edson deserves the opportunity to try 145. I think there’s a lot of great fights there for him. The whole team, the coaches think he’s going to look fine. And he’s really, really excited.”

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Although Barboza, 33, already is quite lean at lightweight, Davis assured that he’ll take the appropriate steps with his coaches at American Top Team to make sure the cut is done safety.

“He has a really good strength and conditioning coach, Phil Daru,” Davis said. “All the team likes the idea. I’m not the biggest fan of the whole weight system, but in this case I give my blessing. I think, provided he does everything correctly, and he gets there healthy, it’s going to be a problem for the division.”

Barboza, who is coming off a split decision loss to Paul Felder at UFC 242 in September, is currently awaiting a date and opponent from the UFC for his first career fight outside the lightweight division.

“If you look at the 155 division and the fights that are there for him, he’s fought everybody,” Davis said. “For his name and his career and his legacy, the drop to 145 gives an opportunity for a fresh start. We like all the fights in that division. We’re not going to be picking opponents. Whoever they tell us, we’re going to go against them.”

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100 of the most fascinating UFC facts from the past decade

Some of the most significant in-fight moments and records in UFC history have occurred and been etched in stone over the past decade.

The past decade of UFC action has seen a lot unfold, and it is arguably the most important in the organization’s history from in terms of evolution.

Only within this era have statistics truly come to the forefront. After so many years of fights, the groundwork for what’s viewed as meaningful and the history attached has finally been laid out. The athletes and techniques have evolved, too, meaning new methods of causing damage and finishing fights are attempted and pulled off with a higher rate of frequency.

That evolution is apparent in the history books, because some of the most significant moments and records in UFC history have occurred over this past decade.

Let’s dig into the archives.

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EVENT FEATS

The UFC held 363 events in 159 difference venues across 26 countries over the past decade.

“UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya” in October 2019 had the highest announced attendance in company history at 57,127.

“UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor” in November 2016 sold a largest live gate in company history at $17.7 million.

“UFC Fight Night 121: Werdum vs. Tybura” in November 2017 had the most total fight time of any event in company history at 3 hours, 4 minutes and 18 seconds.

“UFC Fight Night 55:: Rockhold vs. Bisping” in November 2014 had the least total fight time of those events at 1 hour, 3 minutes and 51 seconds.

The UFC canceled four events over the decade: UFC 151 in September 2012; UFC 176 in August 2014; UFC Fight Night 97 in October 2016 and UFC 233 in January 2019.

Michael Bisping def. Luke Rockhold at UFC 199

“UFC Fight Night 55: Rockhold vs. Bisping” and “UFC 224: Nunes vs. Pennington” in May 2018 each featured 11 stoppage results, the most for any card in company history.

“UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez” in April 2013, “UFC Fight Night 45: Cerrone vs. Miller” in July 2014, “UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2,” in June 2016 and “UFC 218: Holloway vs. Aldo 2” in December 2017 each featured eight knockout results, the most of the decade.

“UFC on FUEL TV 10: Werdum vs. Nogueira” in June 2013 featured eight submission results, the most for any card in company history.

Seven events each featured 10 decision results, the most for any card in company history.

“UFC Fight Night 134: Shogun vs. Smith” in July 2018 and “UFC on ESPN 4: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards” each featured nine consecutive decision results, the longest streak on a card in company history.

“UFC Fight Night 79: Henderson vs. Masvidal” in November 2015 and “UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya” in March 2018 each featured five split-decision results, the most for any card in company history.

Henry Cejudo def. Marlon Moraes at UFC 238

“UFC 238: Cejudo vs. Moraes” in June 2019 featured a total of 1,818 significant strikes landed, a single-event record for the company.

“UFC 223: Khabib vs. Iaquinta” in April 2018 featured seven fighters who landed 100 or more significant strikes, a single-event record for the company.

“UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2” in June 2016 featured 15 knockdowns, a single-event record for the company.

“UFC 189: Mendes vs. McGregor” in July 2015 was the only event in company history to feature two knockouts stemming from flying knee strikes.

“UFC 228: Woodley vs. Till” in September 2018 was the only event in company history to feature two kneebar submission results.

“UFC 217: Bisping vs. St-Pierre” in November 2017 marked the only event in history to feature three title changes.

Next page: General feats

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Callout Collection: Who UFC Sao Paulo winners want next – and how likely they’ll get them

Charles Oliveira, Francisco Trinaldo and Randy Brown were among those with specific names in mind for their next fight after UFC Sao Paulo.

Earning wins in the UFC is certainly no easy task, but what comes next is often even more important: the post-fight callout.

So after Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 22 event in Sao Paulo, who took advantage of their time on the mic? See below for this week’s Callout Collection – and just how realistic each one is.

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First up, let’s take a look at the night’s prelim winners.

Randy Brown

Wants to fight: [autotag]Michael Chiesa[/autotag]

The callout: “I got somebody I want to talk to: Michael Chiesa, I’ve always wanted a fight with you, my brother, and I don’t want to have to talk about your momma in order to get this fight, so let’s make it happen, my brother.”

The reality: To be honest, I really don’t hate the idea of this fight, and I like the way [autotag]Randy Brown[/autotag] (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) approached the request. It was respectful, but it had a little humor in it, as well, bringing up the infamous Chiesa-Kevin Lee press conference exchange ahead of their 2017 clash. The two rangy fighters would likely provide an entertaining contest, and Brown’s obviously improved submission skills mean that he’s becoming a more well-rounded challenge.

If I’m being honest, though, I can’t see where Chiesa (16-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) agrees to this. Yes, the former lightweight is relatively new in the welterweight division, but he came in with wins over true legendary names in Carlos Condit and Diego Sanchez. Sure, you can argue that neither of those men are at their peak right now, but you can’t deny the starpower they carry. For that reason, I see Chiesa looking for an opponent with a number next to his name, and I’m guessing the UFC will oblige.

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Francisco Trinaldo

Wants to fight: [autotag]Edson Barboza[/autotag]

The callout: “I would like to face Edson Barboza next. He is the best muay Thai athlete in Brazil. I think it would be a great match.”

The reality: For years, it seemed Brazilian fighters not only weren’t all that interested in facing their countrymen but actually went out of their way to avoid clashing, regardless of the circumstances. But Saturday’s card had a number of Brazil vs. Brazil matchups, and those days seem to be changing, a welcome development. Now, you’ve got a Brazilian folk hero in [autotag]Francisco Trinaldo[/autotag] (24-7 MMA, 14-6 UFC) outwardly asking for a fight with another standout from his home nation in Barboza (20-6 MMA, 14-6 UFC).

In truth, Barboza isn’t really one to be calling the shots right ow. He faces only the absolute best fighters in the division, but he’s at 1-4 in his past five appearances and is going to have to take whatever is offered. That might be good news for Trinaldo, who has had mixed results in his UFC run but in seven years has had only brief exposure to the top-tier talents at 155 pounds.

Both guys probably see this as a winnable fight, and I can’t see more pressing needs for either of them. Let’s tee it up for that rumored Brasilia event in March.

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Charles Oliveira

Wants to fight: [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] or [autotag]Paul Felder[/autotag]

The callout: “I’ve been here for 10 years. I always say I want a ranked opponent. I’ll call it by the name: Conor McGregor, come on, or else Paul Felder, the last one to beat me. Come on. I’ll meet you again.”

The reality: [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag](28-8 MMA, 16-8 UFC) has been in the UFC for more than nine years, and we’ve watched him grow up in front of us, in both the physical sense and as a fighter, in general. Along the way, he’s turned in some incredibly memorable performances – well, memorable except for the fact that he has always taken the “whatever is next” approach to his career. Now, at 30, Oliveira is finally speaking out.

In truth, he deserves it. Finally admitting he’s not a featherweight, Oliveira has embraced his move to 155 pounds is now riding a six-fight winning streak – a run that includes five “Performance of the Night” awards. That’s incredibly impressive.

The McGregor call-out, well, that’s a little disappointing, but it’s understandable. McGregor is still a huge name, and I’m sure to a submission ace like Oliveira, the Irishman looks like an easy paycheck. But let’s be honest. It ain’t happening.

Felder? Well, “The Irish Dragon” was the last man to beat Oliveira, and I’m sure he’d appreciate a shot at revenge. Of course, Felder is in the midst of a 5-1 run right now, as well, with the lone loss in that span coming in a welterweight fight, and he’s hoping for a No. 1 contender fight – or something close to it – as he manages the final stages of his in-cage career before jumping full-time into the broadcast booth.

For those reasons, I don’t know that I see either of these coming together. The good news for Oliveira, though, is the top of the division is all unbooked right now. Islam Makachev isn’t a big name, but his reputation is strong among fighters. Or perhaps Kevin Lee?

What makes sense to you?

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