Edson Barboza Says Conor McGregor’s Not A Real Champion

Edson Barboza is a top 5 ranked fighter in the UFC Lightweight Division, which is currently ruled by Conor McGregor.

Even though McGregor is the UFC Lightweight Champion, the Brazilian star claims that the Irishman isn’t even a real champion.

“I think McGregor is not the real champ,” Barboza said to MMA Junkie Radio. “He has the belt, but I have almost 20 fights in this division. Ferguson has more than 10 fights in this division. Khabib (Nurmagomedov) has almost 10 fights in this division. And I think the next champ is going to be the fight for the interim belt.”

Barboza has earned a total of 12 wins under the UFC banner, and two of those wins have come over past UFC/Strikeforce Lightweight Champions.

The one fighter Barboza would like to fight again is Tony Ferguson, who submitted him a few years back in a short notice fight.

“I really hope the UFC gives me a chance to fight with Tony Ferguson, because he said he wants to fight, and I want to fight, too,” Barboza said. “I hope the UFC gives me this chance. So many guys talk about this fight. It’s a rematch for me. I think this fight makes sense for us. It makes sense for me; it makes sense for him. I know he said he doesn’t want to wait, and I’m here. I’m ready. You guys remember the last fight I had with him. It was a really good fight, one of the best of the year. Imagine, guys, five rounds, me and him, with a full camp.”

This Brazilian star also holds the record for the most finishes via leg kicks in the UFC, the record stands at 2.