Edson Barboza brought an end to his Ultimate career. The Brazilian entered the UFC 330 , held last Saturday (15), and suffered his fourth consecutive defeat. The result motivated the veteran to leave his gloves in the center of the octagon and announce his retirement, but it also marked the end of a career full of great moments.
Greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd at the 'Xfinity Mobile Arena', Edson made a point of expressing his gratitude to the UFC and the fans who supported him throughout his journey with the organization, which began in 2010. The veteran's farewell was so emotional that Joe Rogan and his rival Esteban Ribovics also showed respect and praised the Brazilian's career.
“I just want to say thank you. I give my best every day, guys. In every fight, I promise to give my best. I really gave my best. So, thank you very much, guys. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you. Thank you very much. Nothing to say. Just thank you,” said the Brazilian.
Given the emotional moment provided by the Brazilian, the SUPER LUTAS team has compiled some of the most memorable moments of Edson Barboza 's UFC career.
Check out the 5 best moments of Edson Barboza in the UFC.
05 – The debut that showcased the power of the kicks
13 years ago, #OnThisDay Edson Barboza made his UFC debut, stopping Mike Lullo in the 3rd round with leg kicks at UFC 123. pic.twitter.com/lcdR2dIuMj
— Josh (@JUchiha909) November 20, 2023
Known for possessing some of the most powerful kicks in UFC history, Edson Barboza also holds a record that will be difficult to surpass in the organization. The Brazilian is the only fighter to achieve knockouts with strikes to the head, torso, and leg in the entire history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
This versatility was demonstrated right from his debut in the organization, when he defeated Mike Lullo with a brutal sequence of low kicks.
04 – The beating of Dan Hooker
Sound on 🔊
Throwback to seven years ago when Edson Barboza put on a clinic against Dan Hooker pic.twitter.com/lEXM5sasDW
— SleeperKO (@SleeperKO) December 15, 2025
In addition to displaying rare versatility in stand-up fighting, Edson Barboza was involved in numerous battles in the Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon. One of the most memorable was against Dan Hooker , when the Brazilian punished his opponent throughout the fight until securing a technical knockout victory.
03 – The knockout that took a while to take effect
The delay was CRAZY ⏱️
Edson Barboza delivered the wildest knockout over Shane Burgos at #UFC262 😳 #UFC330 | Saturday | Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/rnvVit2u0I
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 14, 2026
Edson Barboza gained fame for delivering some of the most spectacular knockouts in MMA history. However, the Brazilian also left his mark with a victory that was, to say the least, curious in the world's most famous octagon.
When he shared the octagon with Shane Burgos , the Brazilian landed a powerful overhand. The American, however, apparently didn't feel the blow immediately and continued fighting for a few seconds, until he was impressively knocked out.
02 – The brutal knee strike against Beneil Dariush
If the technique behind his strikes wasn't enough, Edson Barboza also impressed with his fight IQ and his ability to take risks that often resulted in knockouts in the UFC octagon.
That's what happened in the fight against Beneil Dariush . Realizing that his opponent usually attempted a takedown after throwing a jab, Barboza anticipated the move. The Brazilian received the American's jab and then landed a knee strike that found Dariush just as he was trying to go for a double leg takedown, resulting in one of the most brutal knockouts of his career.
UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum
March 11th, 2017
Edson Barboza makes a beautiful read.
After noticing how Beneil kept shooting in for a takedown after throwing his jab, Barboza timed the perfect jumping knee. Adding another incredible highlight knockout… pic.twitter.com/JnxaDq1vsh
— Mixed Martial Aus 🇦🇺 (@MixedMartialAus) April 6, 2024
01 – The unforgettable spinning kick against Terry Etim
At 40 years old, Edson Barboza hung up his gloves with a record of 24 wins and 15 losses and, without a doubt, will forever remain in the memory of Brazilian fans as one of the most beloved fighters the sport has ever seen.
Owner of one of the most brutal trademarks in MMA, Barboza's spinning kick rocked numerous opponents throughout his career. None, however, left as marked as Terry Etim , victim of one of the most spectacular and widely reported knockouts in the history of the world's largest MMA organization.
2012: Edson Barboza v Terry Etim
In a year with some spectacular knockouts, Barboza's wheel kick finish of Terry emo at UFC 142 was far and away the best. It had it all – speed, power, technique, accuracy, and pure 'wow' effect.
It's one of the best knockouts of all time. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/Kt2jmpOl91— Mixed Martial Aus 🇦🇺 (@MixedMartialAus) March 24, 2024
Check out this compilation of Edson Barboza's best strikes in the UFC.
💔 EDSON BARBOZA ’S UFC RUN IS FINALLY OVER
“Junior” has put the gloves down at 40, ending a UFC run that lasted more than 16 years after his loss to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330 , with a career record of 24-15 and 14 KO victories.
But the numbers don't explain why fans loved… pic.twitter.com/tkEbQAdiBw
— MMA On Line (@MMAOnLine_) August 16, 2026
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
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