Edson Barboza opens up on consecutive controversial losses
Edson Barboza has found himself in a tough spot in his career. On Saturday night at UFC on ESPN 8, Barboza lost his featherweight debut by a controversial split decision loss to Dan Ige. Prior to the loss to Ige, the Brazilian lost the same exact way to Paul Felder. Now instead of being on a two-fight winning streak, he’s instead lost five of his last six fights.
Following his loss on Saturday, Barboza told MMA Fighting that he wants to be compensated financially by the UFC for the loss to Ige.
Hey @danawhite @seanshelby the whole word knows that I won that fight! Send me the win bonus and the contract for July, anyone, anywhere, anytime. I will be ready.
— Edson Barboza (@EdsonBarbozaJR) May 18, 2020
“There’s no way he won the first two rounds,” Barboza told MMA Fighting after re-watching the fight, which two judges scored 29-28 in Ige’s favor. “No way he won.”
While he’s very upset with the result of his last two fights, Barboza is trying to look at the bright side of things.
“I’m sure I won both fights,” Barboza said. “I’m upset, but at the same time I’m cool, because I know I’m doing the right thing. I showed everyone I did great in this new weight class, and I’m sure it will be even better next time.”
UFC president Dana White thought Barboza won the fight, but Barboza doesn’t think White saying that helps with anything. Due to Barboza’s latest contract, whenever he losses, he only makes half the money he would make then if he won. Now he’s wants the UFC to start treating him like a winner.
“You know why? Brother, I work for the UFC for many years and … I know the UFC doesn’t have any ties with the athletic commissions, but, man, it’s very, very, very important for me that the UFC comes and says I won this fight and pays me as the winner,” Barboza said.
“Like I said, the entire world knows who won. I worked really hard, did everything right and won the fight, and they didn’t give it to me because of the commission. Screw the commission. I don’t wanna know, man. But if the UFC comes to me and pays me as the winner of this fight, which I am, I’ll feel better, for sure.
“It’s time for the UFC to show… Not love, but respect for myself, my team and my family because I put my heart in this sport, 10 years in the UFC. I have 23 fights and it’s very, very, very important for me for the UFC to do that. It will be very important if the UFC does this, because my next steps depend on this move from the UFC.”
Barboza has two fights remaining on his current UFC contract. For his final two fights he hopes the UFC matchmakers will view him as the winner of his last two contests.
As to whether or not Barboza will fight at featherweight again will depend on if the UFC will pay him his show money.
