PHILADELPHIA – Justin Gaethje’s working theory is that Edson Barboza is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world – for one round.
After that, Gaethje expects to hobble Barboza by taking away his space to kick. But the Brazilian said he doesn’t need much to do work on his opponent.
“I really don’t worry about that,” Barboza told MMA Junkie in advance of his UFC on ESPN 2 headliner against Gaethje, which takes place Saturday at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. “If he keeps coming and tries to wrestle with me and tries to get close to throw punches, I’m a complete fighter. I can fight in close. I can box. I can throw my knees and elbows.
“Wherever he’s coming, I’m ready.”
Barboza isn’t quite prepared for what happens if he wins and teammate Dustin Poirier captures the interim lightweight belt against featherweight champ Max Holloway. But he’s got time on that one.
Gaethje is coming at him, and he said it’s going to be a fun night of work.
To hear more from Barboza, check out the video above.
UFC on ESPN 2 airs on ESPN following early prelims on ESPN+.
For more on UFC on ESPN 2, visit the UFC Rumors section of the site.
