Billy Quarantillo gets massive chance to shine in UFC Fight Night

MANILA, Philippines – It’s a great opportunity that American mixed martial arts fighter Billy Quarantillo cannot let pass.

It is, however, easier said than done.

In front of Quarantillo (17-4-0) this Sunday, April 16, at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen, is none other than the tough Edson Barboza (22-11-0).

Barboza has been an MMA fighter for 14 years, including 13 in the UFC. The Brazilian has literally fought a who’s who of the lightweight division. Unfortunately, he has come off the wrong end of a match against Donald Cerrone, Tony Ferguson, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Dan Ige, Paul Felder and Giga Chikadze.

“Killers” is the word Quarantillo uses to describe those fighters whom Barboza has lost to. Yet, even so, some of those losses weren’t very convincing as they came via the judges’ scorecards and a split decisions.

The Brazilian does have spectacular wins as well — against Shane Burgos, Dan Hooker, Beneil Dariush, Paul Felder and Bobby Green to name a few.

And Billy Q — as he is nicknamed — knows this. 

He is up against the 14th-ranked fighter in the featherweight division. A win over Barboza could vault him into the Top 15 (he is currently #17th).

“I cannot underestimate Barboza,” said Quarantillo. “The last time I did that was against Gavin Tucker and I paid the price. I took that fight on short notice and paid for it. I have to respect everyone out there regardless of their record. They aren’t in the UFC for nothing.”

Billy Q though does feel good. He is 5-2 in the UFC and is coming off a Performance of the Night award in his last outing against Alex Hernandez, who he knocked out in the second round last December 10, 2022.

“That was a nice $50,000 bonus right before Christmas,” quipped Quarantillo. “And it gives me a good springboard into 2023.”

Quarantillo knows all about winning. Prior to coming over to the UFC, he was the Strike Off Fighting Championship featherweight belt. When he moved over to King of The Cage, he captured the lightweight belt.

“In the UFC, you have the best fighters in the world so no fight is easy. I have to prepare for everyone. I have to study them. And always work on my game to improve.”

But if all fails, there is always that good old advice from his mom, who texts him prior to every match.

Her advice?

“Duck,” laughed Quarantillo.

“The last time I called her about this to say she was right was against Michael Quiñones in the Absolute Fighting Championship back in 2016.”

Billy Q took a loss — one of his few ones.

However, come this Sunday, he is hoping to see his hand raised in victory because his entire family plus from both New York and Tampa, Florida are coming down to the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri to watch.

“The last thing you want is to get knocked out in front of your family and friends. I will have to be at my best.”

UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen will be televised live in the Philippines at 8:30 a.m. Sunday on the Premier Sports Channel on Skycable and Cignal as well as on the TapGo TV streaming application.