Barboza To Make Featherweight Debut Against Emmett At UFC OKC

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It looks like Edson Barboza is staying put with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after all. MMA Fighting is reporting that the hard-hitting striker is in talks to make his featherweight debut against Josh Emmett at the upcoming UFC Fight Night 174 event, set to go down inside Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 2.

Barboza recently made headlines after he asked for his release from the promotion after 10 years of service. And while there is no telling what went on behind closed doors between the Brazilian bomber and the UFC brass, it seems Barboza has either had a change of heart or is determined to fight out his contract.

Barboza has had a rough stretch as of late, losing back-to-back contests to Justin Gaethje and Paul Felder. Over his last five outings, Barboza managed to pick up a victory over Dan Hooker, suffering two other losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kevin Lee, in the process.

Now, for the first time in his career Edson will drop down to 145 pounds in an attempt to right his ship.

He’ll have a tough task in Emmett, as he is one of the hardest-hitting contenders in the division, with three of his last victories coming by way of knockout. Winner of two straight, Emmett was last seen turning Mirsad Bektic’s lights out in the very first round at UFC Fight Night 155 last July. Josh was in line to return this past January against Arnold Allen before pulling out of the contest due to injury.

UFC Fight Night 174 will be headlined by a highly-intriguing middleweight showdown that will see former division king, Chris Weidman, face off against top contender, Jack Hermansson. Also on the card, Ricardo Lamas will face Ryan Hall in featherweight action.

To see the entire UFC Fight Night 174 fight card click here.