Edson Barboza Believes He Deserves a Title Shot With a Win Over Khabib Nurmagomedov

MMAjunkie Radio recently interviewed UFC lightweight fighter Edson Barboza, who is set to face Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 219. Below are some highlights.

Barboza on his wins in kickboxing: “In kickboxing, I have crazy knockouts. You guys have no idea. I have a lot of knockouts. I think some knockouts are more important than the wheel kick.”

Barboza on starting in MMA: “When I moved to the U.S., I started fighting in MMA, and everybody watched. I was 2-0 or 3-0, and nobody wants to fight me, because everybody went on YouTube. … People would watch my videos, and everybody pulled out (of fights). I told my friend, ‘Please, take all my YouTube videos down.’”

Barboza on his focus:v“I have things to do. I think about my training and what I’m doing. Every single day, I have my family and my friends in Brazil. I just think about myself, go in the gym, train hard every single day. I really don’t worry about what he does or what he has to do, or his record. I don’t focus on that. My focus is on Edson Barboza full time.”

Barboza on what a win over Nurmagomedov wins: “I’ve fought with seven guys in the top 15, and definitely, I think if I win this fight, I really deserve the title shot. I don’t care if it’s (undisputed UFC lightweight champ) Conor (McGregor) or (interim champ Tony) Ferguson. But I definitely deserve the title shot.”