TLDR
- Edson Barboza retired from MMA after losing to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330
- He ends his career at age 40 with a 24-15 overall record and 18-15 in the UFC
- Barboza competed in the UFC for 16 years, starting in 2010
- His spinning wheel kick knockout of Terry Etim in 2012 remains one of MMA’s most iconic moments
- His wife Bruna shared an emotional tribute on social media honoring his career and character
Sources: ca.sports.yahoo.com | heavy.com
Edson Barboza announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following a loss to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330. The 40-year-old veteran told Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview that he was done competing.
Barboza finishes his career with a 24-15 overall record in MMA. Inside the UFC Octagon, he compiled an 18-15 record over 16 years of competition.
The Brazilian fighter first entered the UFC in 2010. He quickly became one of the organization’s most popular fighters during his long career.
A Career Defined by Iconic Moments
Barboza’s most famous moment came at UFC 142 in January 2012. He knocked out Terry Etim with a spinning wheel kick that remains one of the most memorable knockouts in MMA history.
Khabib's reaction to Edson Barboza's retirement from MMA:
"Long time ago sport leave him, but today he leaves the sport too. When you're 40 years old you have to think [about] your family.
Family is better than to be beat up like this. But he's a legend of the sport."
(via… pic.twitter.com/I9aUIOt2XZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 18, 2026
Before his UFC career, Barboza dominated Muay Thai competition in Brazil. He won every major Muay Thai belt in the country at age 17.
His transition to MMA brought him international recognition. He became known as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.
Barboza fought consistently at the highest level for over a decade. He faced top competition throughout his time in the UFC.
Wife Shares Emotional Tribute
Following the retirement announcement, Barboza’s wife Bruna posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram. She reflected on watching his entire journey from teenager to professional fighter.
“I saw you, at 17 years old, win every Muay Thai belt in Brazil,” Bruna wrote. “I saw you step into the biggest MMA organization in the world.”
Her statement highlighted moments the public never saw. She wrote about him crying after losses and dealing with the pain of injuries.
Bruna also mentioned Barboza enduring the loss of both his parents during his career. She praised him for never backing down or giving up.
“I saw a teenager become a man, a father, a husband,” she wrote. “I never let go of your hand, and I never will.”
The tribute ended with words about the future. “One chapter comes to a beautiful end so that an even more beautiful one can begin,” Bruna stated.
She said she wanted to keep watching him shine and receive recognition. “I saw you begin with a dream, and today I see you finish as a legend,” she concluded.
Barboza’s retirement marks the end of an era for UFC fans who followed his career. His striking ability and willingness to engage in exciting fights made him a fan favorite.
The loss to Ribovics at UFC 330 was stopped by strikes. It was Barboza’s final appearance inside the Octagon after competing for some of MMA’s biggest promotions over two decades.
