UFC legend Edson Barboza retires aged 40 after brutal fourth straight defeat
Edson Barboza couldn’t hold back his tears when he retired from MMA after defeat to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330.
Barboza contested the 39th bout of his professional career on the Philadelphia card headlined by Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title defence against Ian Machado Garry.
Although he showed determination and grit like no other, the Brazilian was pieced up during the UFC 330 main card opener on Saturday.
The stoppage came less than a minute into round number two with Barboza bloodied and beaten up, having sustained two nasty cuts above his right eye and on his shin in the first round.
Ribovics landed several damaging elbows with Barboza against the cage and referee Herb Dean had rightfully seen enough.
Although Barboza didn’t announce his retirement before UFC 330, the 40-year-old was noticeably emotional and shed a tear as he made his walk to the Octagon, greeting his kids along the way.
He is widely viewed as one of the best kickers in UFC history, having built up a highlight reel worthy of a UFC champion since his promotional debut in November 2010.
Although he never won the belt, Barboza fought the very best lightweights of his era, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.
Barboza announces retirement at UFC 330
Shortly after his loss, Barboza laid down his gloves and was overcome with emotion when interviewed by UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
“I just want to say thank you,” Barboza told the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“I did my best every single day, I promise, every single fight.
“I hope you guys enjoyed – thank you. Thank you so much.”
UFC 330: Results
Preliminary card
- Chidi Njokuani def. Joel Alvarez via unanimous decision
- Charles Johnson def. Eduardo Chapolin via third-round submission (Scottish Twister)
- Donte Johnson def. Eric McConico via first-round KO
- Tresean Gore def. Vicente Luque via unanimous decision
- Lucas Fernando def. Rafael Tobias via third-round KO (knee)
- Neil Magny def. Ramiz Brahimaj via second-round TKO (punches)
- Jeremiah Wells def. Myktybek Orolbai via third-round submission (Guillotine Choke)
Ribovics added: “He is my idol since I started training, and now to fight with him is an honour.
“It’s an honour for me to fight with him.”
Those in attendance then showed their appreciation for UFC legend Barboza, who retires with a 24-15 record.
Barboza entered his fight this weekend on a three-fight losing skid, having been stopped by Jalin Turner, who also fought at UFC 330, last time out in December 2025.
His last victory in Dana White’s promotion was a unanimous decision over Sodiq Yusuff in a five-round Las Vegas main event in 2023.
Eight of Barboza’s 18 UFC wins came by way of a finish and his spinning-wheel kick knockout of Terry Etim at UFC 142 will forever go down as one of the greatest in UFC history.
UFC Schedule
There are still several blockbuster shows and exciting contests for fight fans to look forward to in 2026, and you can find the full list of all confirmed events and official bouts as part of talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.
The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with up to 30 smaller ‘Fight Night’ cards allowing prospects and less experienced fighters to showcase their talents.
On January 1, 2026, Dana White’s promotion signed a seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+ for exclusive rights in the US, meaning the UFC has put on shows like never before this year.
With the historic first event in the new Paramount era, UFC 324, delivering huge success, and a one-of-a-kind fight card at the White House in June opening up the UFC to a new audience, the promotion remains a premium global sports brand, and fans are eager to keep track of results and upcoming fights.
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