Edson Barboza Ready to Leave the UFC After Failing to Secure a Fight Booking

UFC roster staple Edson Barboza Jr spoke to MMA Junkie and air out his frustrations surrounding his current contractual agreement. The Brazilian fighter who is on the final fight of his UFC contract is seemingly locking horns with the company. Barboza Jr who is unable to secure a fight that makes sense is running out of patience with the UFC.

Edson Barboza Jr last fought back in October 2020 when he snapped a three-fight skid with a unanimous decision win. He was able to outwork Makwan Amirkhani in order to make good on his drop down to the featherweight division. Regardless of the circumstances, Barboza isn’t used to having any phases of inactivity.

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Edson Barboza Jr lays it out

Chiefly, Edson Barboza Jr explained that the UFC’s inability to service the deal specified in the contract has become burdensome. However, the veteran lightweight’s tone distinctly changed at one point and he went on to place an ultimatum of sorts. He made it known that he’ll review his options elsewhere and wouldn’t mind being released.

“Nothing changed. I was just waiting. I call my manager end December and say if UFC want to fight, give me a fight, please. I’m ready. I’ve trained a lot, December, January, and I’m ready. If the UFC give me an opportunity to fight real soon, fight the last fight, I’m ready. If we gonna renew the contract, let’s see what happened. Or let me go. I have three options right now but let’s see what happens. Like I said, I have one more fight and I’m ready for this fight.”

It’s a matter of time before Barboza will be inclined towards following through with his threat to be ‘Let go’. The UFC has never been an organization to cave under any pressure and it’s interesting to see how things will play out. Furthermore, there’s gonna have to be a fight that makes sense from a divisional placement point of view.

Despite the mileage that he’s been under, Edson still believes he has what it takes to clinch UFC hardware. He managed to put together amazing performances over many lightweights, however, the bigger moments got the better of him.