Edson Barboza (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Conor McGregor is officially the UFC’s lightweight champ, but in the eyes of Edson Barboza, the Irish star hasn’t truly proven he’s the 155 pound king.

McGregor laid claim to the lightweight crown last November, by stopping Eddie Alvarez in the second round at UFC 205. The fight marked the first time the former featherweight champ had competed at 155 pounds in the Octagon.

Recently Barboza was a guest on MMA Junkie.com Radio, and the vaunted striker had this to say about McGregor, as well as his next bout (quote via MMA Junkie):

“I think McGregor is not the real champ,” Barboza said. “He has the belt, but – I have more than, almost 20 fights in this division. Ferguson has more than 10 fights in this division. Khabib (Nurmagomedov) has almost 10 fights in this division. And I think the next champ is going to be the fight for the interim belt.

“And I really hope the UFC gives me a chance to fight with Tony Ferguson, because he said he wants to fight, and I want to fight, too. I hope the UFC gives me this chance.”

Barboza has won three straight fights since he was submitted by Ferguson in 2015, and is coming off a vicious, knockout win over Beneil Dariush. The Brazilian fighter is ranked #5 in the UFC’s lightweight division.