Next for Edson Barboza (#9)?

Barboza showed out versus a tough Shane Burgos (#13). Both guys are known as excellent strikers and Barboza showed his level at 35 years old, knocking Burgos out. 

It was a big emotional boost for Barboza to get the victory Saturday night. Physically he looks perfect, and his mental is high. 

So, WHO WILL BE NEXT, for the always exciting Edson Barboza?

1. Giga Chikadze (#10) - This is THE fight to make. Two amazing kick-boxers. Wow. #9 vs #10. Similar styles...dynamic...perfect matchup. Do you agree?

2. Calvin Kattar (#5) - A lot of people think this is the fight to make, but I don't. Of course, if they make it, I won't be disappointed. But, stylistically, the Giga fight makes more sense. Nevertheless, this fight would be an excellent striking affair too...and very evenly matched. Do you want this fight? And do you think we will get this fight? When will Kattar and Barboza plan to return to the octagon: Kattar coming from a beat down from Holloway in January, Barboza coming from a war with Burgos last week. 

3. Yair Rodriguez (#3) - Ninja fight. Yair is looking to come back and should be booked soon. Why not accept a fight with a veritable legend who is ranked Top 10? Barboza loves a challenge, and would embrace the opportunity to fight #3, and such a great striker and martial artist in Yair. #3 vs #9. Young vs old. Will we see Yair vs Edson next?

4. Max Holloway (#1) - If Max is not focused on the championship, and if he does not want to wait for Volkanovski/Ortega, and is looking to stay active, he may accept a fight with Barboza. Everyone respects Barboza for his skill and tenure. Max is a fan of the sport and may accept the fight simply to have Barboza on his resume. This matchup is unlikely though because Max is positioned at #1, and is at the door of a title shot. 

I think he should get anyone in the #4-7 range. also if him and Ige keep winning they might have to run it back for #1 contender spot. they had a close fight and they seem to be heading in the same trajectory at nearly the same time.

Any fight with Barboza is awesome. I hope it’s Giga....only Kattar, from my list, meets your #4-7 criteria 

Definitely Yair for me, he's been too inactive and doesn't deserve a top 5 and Edson deserves that fight after finishing someone like Burgos

Check and Slaw, let me know how you see my lightweight tier categories in another one of the posts I made today. 

Besides that I would rather have Giga vs Barboza or Giga vs Yair more than Barboza vs Yair...but hey all 3 are amazing strikers and any of these matchups will be exciting. I think Giga has his fight done, but it hasn’t been announced. And I think it’s Yair since he told mma junkie that he’s ready to return.

I'd honestly like to see Barboza vs Stephens just to see Stephens get slept by spinning ****

Edson Barboza vs. The Korean Zombie.

Mike, 

When do they do Barboza vs TKZ? If TKZ wins against Ige?If TKZ loses? Or it doesn't matter the result?

I'd like to say it doesn't matter because that fight would be madness, but a TKZ win sets up the fight pretty nicely.