Edson Barboza (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

As 2016 comes to a close, Edson Barboza doesn’t have another fight booked, and the lightweight contender is questioning whether it’s because of his vaunted leg kicks.

Barboza is coming off a decision win over Gilbert Melendez, which took place at UFC on FOX 20 in July. Currently the 30 year-old fighter is ranked #5 in the UFC’s lightweight division.

Recently Barboza spoke with MMA Junkie.com, and the Brazilian fighter claimed that he offered to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 205 last month, but the latter elected to fight Michael Johnson. Barboza also had this to say, while discussing the fact he currently is without a fight.

“I see all these guys talking about each other, this and that, but not one of them mentions Edson Barboza. I guess maybe they think that if they just don’t talk about me, me and my leg kicks will go away.”

“Maybe I should stop kicking guys’ legs black and blue,” Barboza added, reportedly while laughing. “I know my kicks are evil, but I am a good guy. Maybe I’ll just have to agree to go easy on guys?”

Barboza has gone 3-2 in his last five outings. Prior to facing Melendez, the 18-4 fighter decisioned Anthony Pettis in April.