Edson Barboza Looking for Top-5 Opponent in Next UFC Fight

Since suffering the first defeat of his MMA career at the hand of Jamie Varner, Edson Barboza has looked better than ever.

In 2013, the Brazilian lightweight has posted a 2-0 record, reeling off a couple of stoppage victories. Most recently, Barboza scored a painful-to-watch TKO win over Rafaello Oliveira at UFC 162 by battering his foe's lower half with kicks.

With momentum back in tow, Barboza is setting his sights on the elite of the 155-pound weight class. In a recent exchange with Sherdog's Mike Whitman, he explained that he wants someone near the very top of the division next time he competes.

"Everybody is asking me who I would like to fight next. I want to fight a top-five opponent," Barboza said. 

An opponent of that stature represents uncharted territory for Barboza, whose biggest win to date is a split-decision over Ross Pearson back in 2011.

But, he won't be able to get where he wants to go without overcoming a more significant challenge. 

"I want to be the champion," he notes. "I know it is a long path to get it, [so] I want to be challenged."

In terms of a specific opponent, Barboza is unconcerned.

"I don't have any particular name, but a top-five opponent is what I ask for," he explained.

Barboza's request is something fans are likely to get behind. He has long been considered a high-ceiling prospect and utilizes a style that makes him one of the most fun to watch fighters in the UFC. A boring performance just doesn't seem to be something in Barboza's repertoire.

Should he garner a showdown against a high ranking opponent before the year is out, it would fit nicely onto a pay-per-view main card.

Barboza has star potential, and the time is rapidly approaching to see how soon he can turn that potential into reality.