Edson Barboza has no plans to retire anytime quickly.
Barboza will stay at light-weight at UFC 323 in Las Vegas on Saturday, the place he could have an attention-grabbing bout with Jalin Turner. The winner of the battle could transfer nearer to the rankings, whereas the loser will seemingly change into the gatekeeper.
Barboza is 39 years outdated and can flip 40 in January, however the Brazilian nonetheless believes he’s a real contender. Past that, he mentioned he’ll proceed to struggle so long as he feels he’s aggressive in opposition to the highest of the division.
“I am not interested by retirement proper now, however I must really feel aggressive,” Barboza informed MMA Junkie. “I feel that is one in every of my targets proper now. I promised my spouse and mom that I might by no means step into the Octagon for cash. I nonetheless really feel aggressive, particularly in coaching, particularly within the fitness center. I practice greater than the younger children on American High Workforce. I practice greater than the younger children on American High Workforce.”
“I do know I am nonetheless aggressive. I am nonetheless competing in opposition to one of the best gamers on the earth. That is one of many causes I preserve coaching and making an attempt to get higher and preventing, as a result of I nonetheless love this sport.”
Barboza enters UFC 323 as a +240 underdog in opposition to Turner, coming off back-to-back resolution losses to Drucker Klose and Lerone Murphy.
Edson Barboza predicts struggle with Jalin Turner at UFC 323
Though Barboza is at an obstacle, he’s completely assured that he can increase his hand.
The Brazilian is hoping for a fan-friendly struggle as either side might be defeated and engaged in a warfare irrespective of how lengthy it lasts.
“It should be a warfare like every other, proper? The kind of struggle that individuals like and the kind of struggle that I like. It should be a warfare,” Barboza mentioned. “He is an incredible fighter, an incredible striker. It is undoubtedly going to be an thrilling struggle. I feel he is aware of what’s finest for him (Turner popping out of retirement). If he needs to return again, that is good for him.”
“I at all times want one of the best for him, if he is prepared to return again. I am nonetheless excited. I am nonetheless having fun with each second. Each time I step into the Octagon, not simply the Octagon, however going to the fitness center, weight-reduction plan, making an attempt to do every thing proper. I nonetheless take pleasure in it and I nonetheless love this sport.”
For full protection of UFC 323 fights, make sure you go to BJPENN.com this week and Saturday.
