Longtime UFC Lightweight Veteran Edson Barboza Plans to Drop to 145 Pounds

Edson Barboza is going to test his skills in a new division next year.

According to a report from Brazilian outlet Combate, Barboza will drop to the featherweight division following a 22-bout stint in the UFC at 155 pounds. The 33-year-old Brazilian hopes to make his 145-pound debut some time in the first quarter of 2020.

Barboza is coming off a contentious split-decision setback to Paul Felder in a rematch at UFC 242. The American Top Team representative has lost four of his last five bouts within the Las Vegas-based promotion. During that slump, however, Barboza has faced nothing but top-flight competition, falling to the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kevin Lee, Justin Gaethje and Felder.

Barboza is 14-8 over the course of his promotional tenure at lightweight and has earned nine post-fight bonuses for his work in the Octagon.