Veteran striking star, Edson Barboza is set to make his return to the lightweight limit later this summer, booking a showdown with perennial contender, Drakkar Klose at UFC 319 on August 16. from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Barboza, who made his featherweight divisional bow at the beginning of 2020, is set for his return to the lightweight for the first time since a 2019 rematch defeat to two-fight foe, Paul Felder in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
As for Klose, the Michigan veteran saw his impressive four-fight winning run halted in spectacular fashion against Spaniard, Joel Alvarez — courtesy of a stunning flying knee back in December of last year at UFC Fight Night Tampa.
Edson Barboza books return fight at UFC 319 against Drakkar Klose
News of Edson Barboza’s return against Drakkar Klose was confirmed by the UFC in a press release obtained this evening.
The UFC have officially announced UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago headlined by a middleweight title bout between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Michael “Venom” Page vs. Jared Cannonier was also announced as a feature bout.
Here are the other bouts announced thus far
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24-12 as a professional, Brazilian star, Barboza has been out of action since he headlined against Lerone Murphy at UFC Vegas 92 in May of last year, dropping a decision loss to the British standout.
Prior to that, the Nova Friburgo native turned in a pair of victories over Sodiq Yusuff, and Billy Quarantillo — the latter of which courtesy of a stunning opening round flying knee knockout.
During his golden years at the lightweight limit, striking ace, Barboza turned in notable successes over the likes of Terry Etim, Evan Dunham, King Green, Paul Felder, Anthony Pettis, Gilbert Melendez, Beneil Dariush, and Dan Hooker of note.
UFC 319 takes place on August 16. from the United Center, with an undisputed middleweight title fight between the incumbent, Dricus du Plessi, and the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev set to take main event honors in the promotion’s return to Chicago, Illinois.
