Battle-tested Edson Barboza expects 'a war' vs. Beneil Dariush at UFC Fight Night 106

Given his recent run of opponents, there’s no denying that Edson Barboza can now be considered a battle-tested UFC lightweight.

After losing a December 2015 bout by submission to current UFC title contender Tony Ferguson, Barboza rebounded nicely against a pair of ex-champions in both of his fights last year.

First, Barboza (18-4, 12-4 UFC) won a unanimous decision over Anthony Pettis in April at UFC 197, then followed that up with another unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Melendez in July at UFC on FOX 20.

The only thing that could’ve been better if Barboza finished those fights, though he understands wins against the upper-echelon of the division matter immensely regardless of how they come.

“The higher the level of my opponents, the harder it is to get a knockout or submission,” Barboza, 31, told MMAjunkie. “My last two opponents were some of the best in the world. They have very few losses by knockout or submission. The closer to the top of the pyramid, the harder it gets. But all I need is one chance. If I get that one chance, I’ll get the finish – against anyone.”

The next “anyone” comes this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 106, when Barboza faces Beneil Dariush (14-2, 8-2 UFC). Their fight will air as part of the main card on FS1, which follows prelims on the same channel and UFC Fight Pass.

Dariush, 27, enters the contest on his own back-to-back win streak, having defeated James Vick via KO and Rashid Magomedov via unanimous decision last year. With both Barboza and Dariush ranked in the top 10 of the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings, the result figures to factor into the title picture.

A win for Barboza means he could start to make his face for a title shot, though he doesn’t expect it to be easy.

“I know it’s going to be war. Every time I step into the cage, everyone knows it’s going to be a good fight – a war,” Barboza said. “This time won’t be any different. I visualize myself as the winner. In the end, I’ll have my hand raised. Of course, I respect him a lot. He’s an excellent fighter from a great team. But I’m heading there to win this fight.”

With UFC Fight Night 105 taking place in Fortaleza, Brazil, that means Barboza will have his country on his side, which has to count for something.

Or does it?

“When the cage door closes, it’s just me, my opponent, and the referee. It doesn’t matter where in the world we are,” Barboza said. “Fighting in Brazil is different for me, of course. I hope the place is packed, and everyone is cheering at the top of their lungs. Without a doubt, I’ll have the entire crowd backing me, on my way to victory.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 106, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.