Edson Barboza

By FCF Staff

Since Anthony Pettis and Edson Barboza are considered to be two of the best strikers in the UFC, the consensus is that their bout this Saturday will be an all stand-up affair. But, based off recent comments from Barboza, it sounds like the latter mighy try and utilize other weapons in his arsenal.

Barboza recently spoke to UFC.com about the upcoming bout, and during the interview, he credited Eddie Alvarez for helping him out with his preparation. Alvarez fought Pettis in January, and turned to his wrestling and grappling to earn a split decision win. Barboza also relayed that he’s been working on his wrestling a lot, and that his coach, Ricardo Almeida, would like to see him use more aspects of his game.

“Ricardo talks to me every day about everything,” he said. “He’s more than just a coach; he’s an inspiration. He’s been in there as a fighter so he knows the mindset of a fighter. Sometimes he sees things that other coaches don’t see because he has been in there dozens of times. He teaches me not only fight lessons, but life lessons as well. He says I must believe in myself; believe in my jiu-jitsu, my ground game and my wrestling. He says that if I can give 100 percent on the feet, on the ground and in submissions, I can beat anybody in the division. I believe in my training for this fight. I believe that if the fight goes to the ground I will be ready to attack.”

Barboza will be looking to get back on track as well, as he was submitted by Tony Ferguson in his last outing.

UFC 197 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.