Just this week we learned that Edson Barboza (21-9) had signed a new deal with the UFC. After being frustrated for a couple of months with the promotion, Barboza was able to come to terms on a new deal that’ll keep him in the UFC for several more fights.
The promotion had already been working on Barboza’s next matchup when the deal was agreed to. There had been rumors out there about potential matchup and now we know exactly who Edson Barboza will be fighting and when.
Combate was the first to report that the UFC was booking Edson Barboza against Shane Burgos (13-2). The matchup will take place at UFC 252 which occurs on May 15th. It will be Barboza’s third matchup at featherweight.
Barboza has always had championship potential. One of the flashiest strikers in the UFC with incredible power and speed. However, he’s always ran into roadblocks at lightweight on his journey to a title.
Barboza decided to drop down to 145 pounds last year. He made his debut back in May of 2020 at featherweight and lost a razor thin split decision to Dan Ige. He followed that up by defeating Makwan Amirkhani and now he’s in the UFC‘s top 15 at featherweight.
Fun matchup at UFC 262
Barboza is currently ranked 14th and his next opponent comes in at 12th in the UFC’s featherweight rankings. Shane Burgos has been sensational since he joined the promotion back in 2016.
Since signing with the UFC, only two men have defeated Burgos and they’re both top contenders at featherweight. Outside of those two losses, it’s been smooth sailing for Burgos and that includes a decision win over veteran, Cub Swanson
Burgos always brings the fight and he showed that in his last fight against Josh Emmett. While he didn’t get his hand raised, the fight was on the shortlist of Fights of the Year for the UFC in 2020. This matchup between Barboza and Burgos promises to be fireworks on May 15th.