UFC 330 results: Edson Barboza retires after Esteban Ribovics TKO loss
One of the most violent strikers in UFC lightweight history is calling it a career.
Philadelphia – Veteran lightweight fighter Edson Barboza has announced his retirement after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat at the hands of Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330. The bout took place on the event's prelims at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Ribovics, known for his precision striking, delivered the final blow to Barboza at 1:32 of Round 2 with a barrage of punches.
Barboza, 40, displayed incredible toughness throughout the fight, but his stamina diminished as the contest progressed. A gash formed on Barboza's right shin, likely exacerbating the damage he sustained from Ribovics' strikes. After the fight, Barboza, visibly emotional, received a standing ovation from the crowd and delivered his final in-cage interview, shedding tears as he laid down his gloves inside the Octagon.
Barboza, who began his professional MMA career in 2009 and made his UFC debut in 2010, faced an impressive lineup of opponents over his 16-year career, including notable names like Justin Gaethje, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson, and Donald Cerrone. He is remembered for his iconic spinning wheel kick against Terry Etim in January 2012.
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