Barboza Asks For UFC Release

Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Edson Barboza is ready to say goodbye to UFC.

The Brazilian has fallen to No. 10 in the official lightweight rankings after dropping four of his last five, and despite teasing a move down to the featherweight division, Barboza appears ready to leave the promotion altogether.

“I’m very thankful for these almost 10 years that I have been working for the company,” the striking sensation wrote on Twitter. “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.”

Barboza (20-8) has struggled to stay competitive in the 155-pound line up but in his defense, he’s been forced to compete against a murderers’ row of lightweight competition. That includes Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson, and Justin Gaethje, just to name a few.

Goodbye UFC … hello Bellator?