5 potential opponents for Edson Barboza after UFC 272 loss

#2. Edson Barboza vs. Paul Felder III

Paul Felder holds a record of 17-6

A third fight between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder may currently seem like a long shot, but it could make a lot of sense. That is despite the fact that Barboza is currently competing at featherweight and that Felder is retired. Those factors could well change, and this fight would be the one to make.

Felder has indicated that he is open to returning to the octagon. Should he do so, there are only so many opponents that would make sense for him at this stage of his career. A trilogy bout with Barboza, given the series is currently tied at 1-1, would be a perfect fit for him on paper.

For Barboza, this would require him to move back up to 155 lbs. You would imagine he might be tempted, given this would mean a big-name opponent and a more manageable weight cut. In fact, the commentary team over the weekend suggested that the Brazillian might fair better in the lightweight division.

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#1. Edson Barboza vs. Dan Hooker II

Dan Hooker holds a record of 22-11

Top of this list is another rematch and once again, a fight that would need some pieces to fall into place first. This scenario, at least, is relatively simple. If Dan Hooker loses to Arnold Allen on March 19, his next fight should be a rematch with his former rival Edson Barboza.

The pair fought back in 2018 when Barboza won via a KO punch to the body. That bout, however, was at lightweight, so it would be interesting to see how the fight would go down at 145 lbs. It would also make sense, rankings-wise, if Hooker is unable to defeat the No.7 fighter in the division.

Barboza would be allowed to bounce back against a fighter who's also suffered some recent losses. While Hooker isn't ranked, he may be after March 19. Even if Hooker isn't ranked, a win for Barboza would give him a significant boost.