Marcio Barbosa, one of many high Brazilian prospects to look at in 2025, will get his shot on week 3 of Dana White’s Contender Sequence in 2025 when he battles Damon Wilson contained in the UFC APEX on Tuesday. It’s the fruits of a life-long dream.
Born in Amapá, “Ticotô” confirmed expertise and satisfied the chief of Giants Staff in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, to open the doorways of his personal home so he may reside and prepare underneath his wings. Barbosa made a promise to his father earlier than embarking on a 1,700-mile journey.
“I advised my father after I left house, ‘Dad, I’ll solely come again after I signal with a giant group,’” Barbosa advised MMA Combating. “I’m right here [in Niteroi] this complete time residing with [my coach], I haven’t returned house but. I haven’t seen my father and my mom in 4 years, solely coaching and dedicating to this.”
Barbosa practically completed future UFC fighter Gabriel Santos in his LFA debut however ended up knocked out in spherical two. That back-and-forth warfare was the one lack of his previous seven bouts, together with his six victories coming by first-round stoppage.
“I’ve proven that I’m able to preventing anybody,” Barbosa stated. “I’m coming off three wins and that offers me confidence to go there and placed on one other nice combat. I do know my opponent is an effective striker, however that doesn’t cease me from displaying him there’s somebody higher than him. I’m prepared for this chance, and I’ll go there to knock him out and get this contract.”
“I’ve watched all his fights,” he continued. “He’s a striker that strikes ahead and doesn’t wish to grapple. Not taking something away from my opponent — I’ll by no means do such a factor as a result of a combat is a combat —, however he hasn’t fought striker that forces him to retreat. I wish to be that man that forces him to retreat. And if he stands toe-to-toe with me, brother, he’s taking place. I’m very assured that he received’t stand on his toes when my hand lands.”
Solely considered one of Barbosa’s 16 MMA wins got here outdoors the opening spherical, however he stated he’ll “give my all with intelligence” at DWCS.
“Some individuals assume I’m a one-round athlete,” Barbosa stated. “I prepare to combat three rounds, however thank God I can finish it earlier than we go to the second spherical. That’s what I wish to do [against Wilson], finish it earlier than we go to the second spherical.”
Successful impressively in entrance of UFC CEO Dana White, in addition to UFC matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby, wouldn’t solely safe him a chance within the promotion, but in addition give Barbosa an opportunity to reunite him together with his dad and mom in Amapá.
“This victory received’t be solely mine, it’s additionally for my workforce and all of the individuals by my facet, cheering for me,” Barbosa stated. “Particularly my father. He’s at all times stated, ‘I wish to see you on the world’s largest promotion earlier than I shut my eyes.’ I inform him he’ll see that. I’ll win, I’ll present my work, and that victory shall be for my household.”
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