KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Always a bridesmaid, never the bride.
While the famous idiom doesn’t exactly fit Edson Barboza’s UFC career when it comes to card placement, that’s the vibe he’s feeling ahead of his ninth co-main event bout. At UFC on ESPN 44 at T-Mobile Center, Barboza (22-11 MMA, 16-11 UFC) takes on Billy Quarantillo in a featherweight clash.
Barboza may be near double-digit co-features, but the fact is he has indeed been a UFC main eventer – three times. So, the flashy Brazilian striker knows what it feels like to be the center of attention. However, Saturday, it’s another co-main event, as he will look to snap a two-fight skid by defeating Quarantillo (17-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC).
“I think I’m the ‘King of the Co-Main Event,’” Barboza joked when speaking to MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “Nobody in the UFC have the co-main event more than me.”
Barboza has gone 5-3 in UFC co-main events, and is ready to ensure that Quarantillo will be the sixth victory as he hunts for another main event opportunity.
“I’m very excited,” Barboza said. “Quarantillo is a great fighter. He’s a tough guy, he keeps moving forward. I’ll put a show, I’m very excited for this one. I know it’s going to be a big war.”
Not only is this fight about getting back on the right track for Barboza, but it’s also about being able to perform after taking time off to heal his surgically-repaired knee.
Barboza was set to take on Ilia Topuria in October, but was forced out due to his knee issues. He admits it was a tough decision to pull out, but he was struggling to walk, much less prepare for a fight.
“I have a really bad injury, I have three different injuries in my knee,” Barboza said. “First time in my career I needed to pull out of a fight and enjoy my family. But I’m recovered 100 percent now. Really enjoyed my family, and time to get back to work.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 44.
