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Bryan Barberena thankful with UFC for big-name matchups: ‘I’m a huge fan of all of these guys’
Bryan Barberena is consistently getting the names many UFC fighters wish they could get.
The veteran UFC welterweight has been given several notable-name fighters in recent bouts, and Barberena’s (18-8 MMA, 9-6 UFC) return at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 42 is no different. “Bam Bam” is scheduled to take on former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos (32-14 MMA, 20-12 UFC) in the co-main event of the card.
This bout comes on the heels of wins over Robbie Lawler, Matt Brown and Darian Weeks. Barberena is gracious to the UFC for the opportunities he’s been given.
“I appreciate it, I really do,” Barberena told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m thankful for them giving me these matchups and making them happen. The last two have been full-circle moments. This is a full-circle moment.
“My big brother Benson Henderson fought him eight years ago. I was in his corner for that fight, and he came up short. So it’s kind of like the little brother coming back to seek revenge. … Really, I just feel the best version of myself right now, and I’m going on a legend’s tour. It goes with the guys I’m fighting, but I’m the legend and this is my tour.”
Barberena likes the name value he’s getting with these recent matchups. But beyond that, he’s interested in putting on fun fights for the fans.
“I’m a huge fan of all of these guys, they’re studs out there,” Barberena said. “The best in the division. They put on exciting fights every time, they don’t have boring fights. So that’s exciting.”
Dos Anjos is 38 years old, and he’s coming off a knockout loss to Rafael Fiziev back in July. Although the former champion might not be at his best, Barberena is training for the Brazilian’s best version.
“I’m expecting the very best and nothing less,” Barberena said. “I’m expecting the best RDA. He’s coming back up to welterweight, and he’s going to be re-fueled and feeling better than ever, not having to make the cut to 55. And like you said, he’s fought the best of the division.
“I want to go in there and take it to him. I want to show him I’m right there for him. I got everything for him. I can answer everything he’s going to try to set up.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 42.
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