What's next for Edson Barboza?

What a performance from Khabib.

Brazilian striking sensation Edson Barboza stepped into the cage at UFC 219 in the co-main event against Dagestan mauler Khabib Nurmagomedov, and was completely outlclassed by the still undefeated Sambo specialist. Keeping a constant pressure and pace throughout the entire three round bout, Khabib afforded Edson not one single opportunity to get off his expert Muay Thai, and walked through maybe a dozen inside leg kicks from Barboza to maintain bodylocks and trips, allowing terrifying ground and pound and top control. It was clear to see through Edson's eye's and expression's that he was facing a whole different mauler than he's ever experienced in his high level career, and just couldn't get going. So who can Barboza attempt to rebound against?

Justin Gaethje meeting: A really exciting striking affair would see Barboza face recent UFC newcomer and former WSOF Lightweight champion Justin 'The Highlight' Gaethje. Both men are elite high level strikers with incredibly debilitating low kicks. Gaethje of course stopped Michael Johnson in his octagon bow and was stopped for the first time in his storied career in his most recent walk, as former UFC Lightweight king Eddie Alvarez dropped a knee in the clinch on a gassed Gaethje stopping the Arizona favorite. Both men ridiculously hold 2 separate leg kick stoppages each.

Dustin Poirier clash: If former Featherweight contender Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier doesn't get his expected rematch with Eddie Alvarez, why not pair Barboza and Poirier together? Another striking matchup but with two very contrasting styles. Poirier, a slick and well revered boxer, Barboza, a phenomenal kicker and Muay Thai star. Grappling exchanges shouldn't be too common in this matchup, perfect five rounder for a UFC Fight Night event.

Kevin Lee match up: Another classic striker versus grappler meeting would see Edson Barboza face former Interim Lightweight title chaser Kevin 'The Motown Phenom' Lee. Lee was similarly to Edson submitted by 'El Cucuy' Ferguson in their meeting, but in my opinion, is a much more dangerous grappler off his back or even from the top, with 8 submission victories to his name. If Lee continues to compete at Lightweight, this is a really interesting stylistic match up.

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