Edson Barboza turns down fight with Rustam Khabilov.

[CEITEDMOFO]

Before it even got a chance to make headlines a fight between Rustam Khabilov and Edson Barboza has been scrapped. While no specific details were given, Khabilov's camp is placing the blame firmly on Barboza. MMABoxing.ru has the story:
Rustam Khabilov agreed to a fight against Edson Barboza at UFC 166, but the Brazilian's camp has refused to fight with the Russian and asks UFC give him another opponent.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/7/2...urns-down-fight-with-rustam-khabilov-mma-news

 

[The Infamous]

I'm a fan of Barboza, but why is he turning down fights? This would've been a great scrap.

 

[luckyse7enz]

Edson probably saw what happened to the guys in Khabilov's last two fights and went

 

[Alpha Dog]

@arielhelwani42s
As reported on @ufctonight, Jorge Masvidal will meet Rustam Khabilov later this year. Location/date TBD but expected in late fall.

 

[The Infamous]

Edson probably saw what happened to the guys in Khabilov's last two fights and went

I'd be more worried about this:

 

[PHamm]

don't blame him, Khabilov is nasty. i don't think ive ever seen someone use his wrestling to knock guys out, twice.

 

[So UnThotful]

I'd be more worried about this:

Hes more worried about another upset like this

 

[Clem]

This is a bit surprising. Edson's not really the caliber of fighter that should be dictating who he fights given the UFC's structure.

 

[The Infamous]

Hes more worried about another upset like this

Khabilov is a Sambo guy, I highly doubt Barboza gets finished via strikes. If he were lose it would be by getting out-grappled for three rounds. Having said that, Barboza needs to really work on his striking defense. Khabilov beating him is not an upset, I'd have odds at about even going into the fight.

Masvidal vs Khabilov will be a really good fight.

 

[PTBG]

The fukk has Barboza done? He believing his own hype. Varner bodied and exposed him. I thought Edson lost that fight to Ross Pearson too. He is great with his kicks, but his boxing is still lacking.