Edson Barboza has no problem trading blows with former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks.
He just has his sights set on someone else.
Barboza, who scored a victory over Gilbert Melendez at UFC on FOX 20 recently, was “called-out” by Brooks for a fight this October in Oregon. However, the Brazilian could have trouble getting clearance to fight at that time and put in a full training camp due to an ankle injury.
“I want fights that put me close to the No. 1 contender (spot),” Barboza told MMAjunkie Radio. “If the UFC says you have to fight (Brooks) to get close to the title shot, why not? But like I said, I prefer to fight somebody above me in the rankings.
“If I have a choice, I’d prefer to fight somebody ahead of me. There are five guys ahead of me, and I hope the UFC gives me these guys. If you see the rankings, it’s better for my career. I have to fight the best.”
The 30-year-old Barboza (18-4) is on a two-fight win streak that also features a decision win vs. former UFC champion Anthony Pettis. He is 5-2 over his last seven since a loss to Donald Cerrone in early 2014.
