Saturday August 28.2021 at 07:00 PM eastern
U.S. Broadcast: ESPN | Prelims: ESPN+
UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Chikadze, UFC Vegas 35, UFC APEX
Las Vegas, Nevada - MMA Bouts: 12
https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCVegas35?src=hashtag_click&f=live
Edson Barboza turns 36 in January 2022
Giga Chikadze turns 33 on Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Barboza quote:
"It’s a fight between two excellent strikers. He’s excellent and I’ve proven that I’m one of the best in the division and in the UFC. It’s a perfect matchup. We are two brawlers and it’s going to be really cool. He’s undefeated, but he hasn’t faced the top guys in the division yet. He hasn’t been really tested yet.
On the other hand, I have been tested against everyone in the division above. I’ve studied him with my coaches and he has many gaps in his game. I’ll try to exploit his flaws. It’s going to be a war. The most important thing is that I’ve been performing better. If you watch that fight against Ige and then the one against Amirkhani and then my last one, you’ll see how I’ve been improving. I’ve been getting more comfortable in the division, more aware of my body. I was still a bit afraid of cutting that much weight. I’ll be even better, physically, for this fight, so I’ll perform better. I’m in my best shape and my mind is stronger than ever. There’s no doubt it’s going to be the best Edson Barboza to ever step into the Octagon.
Definitely this fight puts me really close to the title shot. I really believe if I win this fight and one more fight for my chance at the title shot. I feel I need two more steps in my career to get my chance at the title shot. One this next one fight. One more fight after that. I really feel I need two more steps, I’m on the way.
It’s a lot like the fight with Shane Burgos, it’s the type of fight that makes me excited. I’m a real fan, and I know it’s going to be a fun fight. It’s a main event, 25 minutes, and it’s the type of fight that makes me say yes right away. I’m sure it’s going to be a great fight. I’m looking for a war. Every time I step in there, I’m ready for war and to throw some bombs.”
- Edson Barboza