Edson Barboza opens up on decision to retire at UFC 330 – ‘I can’t compete at a high level’

Edson Barboza has called it a career.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) legend suffered his second consecutive stoppage loss last night (Sat., Aug. 15, 2026), falling to Argentine prospect Esteban Ribovics to open the UFC 330 main card inside Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (watch highlights).

Following the loss, an emotional Barboza officially announced his retirement, placing his UFC gloves in the center of the Octagon with his family surrounding him.

Barboza later spoke backstage with Megan Olivi about his decision to finally walk away from mixed martial arts.

“I’ve had a big battle inside of me for a long, long time. Well, not long, long—it was my fight with [Lerone] Murphy. I was like, ‘I don’t feel the same,’” Barboza said. “Plus, I’m a very competitive guy. I hate to lose. I have a hard time when I lose.”

“I tried. I kept training hard, but I felt like my body wasn’t the same anymore,” he continued. “I’m 40, with 33 battles in the UFC. Thank God, I did good this camp. I was very healthy. But, yeah, my body isn’t the same. I can’t compete at a high level anymore.”

Barboza (24-15) was one of the most violent and entertaining fighters ever to grace the Octagon—and he owns one of the toughest resumes of any UFC veteran.

The Brazilian fought everyone from Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson to Justin Gaethje (watch it) and Anthony Pettis. Win or lose, Barboza was almost always involved in a memorable fight.

He also competed in two weight classes, dropping to Featherweight later in his career before returning to Lightweight for his final three appearances.

Of course, Barboza will always be remembered for landing the first spinning wheel-kick knockout in UFC history against Terry Etim. If there were a Knockout Hall of Fame, that finish would be a first-ballot induction.

Barboza leaves the sport tied with Dustin Poirier for the second-most “Fight of the Night” bonuses in UFC history. He also produced multiple “Knockout of the Year” contenders and headlined five UFC events during his incredible 15-year run with the promotion.

Simply put, Edson Barboza was one of those fighters who made you stop whatever you were doing and stare at the television whenever he stepped inside the Octagon.

Congratulations on a legendary career, thanks for the memories, and enjoy retirement.

For more UFC 330 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.