UFC Lightweight contender Edson Barboza (20-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) has officially requested to be released from his current UFC contract.
Barboza has had a tough time getting wins under his belt recently, going 1-4 in his last 5 fights and believes that it’s time to “move on”.
The fearsome Brazilian striker reached out to the Sean Shelby, Dana White and the UFC on his official Twitter account. He was thankful for the opportunities spanning almost 10 years, but said that it’s time for him to move on.
“I’m very thankful for these almost 10 years that I have been working for the company! I gave my best every single fight to put on a show for the fans, but I think it’s time to move on. I don’t have more time to wait. Please let me go.@ufc @seanshelby @danawhite”
Edson Barboza made his last Octagon appearance at UFC 242 in September of last year. He faced “The Irish Dragon” Paul Felder and lost to him by split-decision. The Brazilians last win inside the Octagon was against Dan Hooker, who he TKO’d in the 3rd-round at UFC Milwaukee back in December of 2018.
He’s had a solid run in the UFC going 14-8 with some legendary knockouts of opponents like Terry Etim, Evan Dunham and Beneil Dariush. Barboza was also the first man in UFC history to finish a fight by TKO due to leg kicks, when he defeated Mike Lullo at UFC 123.
To top it off, the Brazilian legend also holds wins over 2 former MMA champions, with wins over Anthony Pettis, who is the former UFC & WEC Lightweight Champion and Gilbert Melendez, who is the former two-time Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and WEC Lightweight Champion.
This article first appeared on CLOSEDGUARDMEDIA.com on 7th March, 2020.
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