In addition to Islam Makhachev 's first title defense , UFC 330 was also the stage for the last MMA fight of one of the sport's biggest names in Brazil. At 40 years old, Edson Barboza announced his retirement shortly after his defeat to Argentinian Esteban Ribovics , who knocked him out in the second round. However, the reason for hanging up his gloves was much more worrying than just the string of negative results. In an interview with the website 'MMA Junkie' this Wednesday (19), he revealed that he had been dealing with a serious eye injury for some years.
According to Barboza, the injury occurred during his fight with Lerone Murphy in May 2024. At the time, the Englishman came out on top, winning by unanimous decision. It was from this moment that the idea of ending his career arose.
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“I realized, in my fight against Lerone Murphy — the main event — that I suffered a very serious eye injury. I almost lost the vision in my right eye. Most people have no idea about that. I can't see out of that eye. It was the first time I really started thinking, 'My God, this sport is tough and dangerous.' I started thinking, 'Okay, maybe it's time to stop.' What if I had lost my vision? I started reflecting on that and talking to my wife, and she said, 'Stop right now. I don't care.' I replied, 'No, let me try a few more fights and see how I feel,'” he stated.
Edson Barboza bids farewell to MMA after 16 years in the UFC.
An entire generation grew up watching this guy turn kicks into some of the most absurd moments in UFC history.
The UFC mistreats veterans and doesn't help with the farewells they give! #UFC330 pic.twitter.com/ZIspU3hF3i
— Igor Ribeiro (@igorribeiromma) August 16, 2026
Edson Barboza thanked and praised Herb Dean.
Herb Dean in action during a UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
When questioned about the performance of Herb Dean, the referee in his last fight, the Brazilian was emphatic in praising the judge's work. Despite the strong criticism he has been receiving since the fight between Alex Poatan and Ciryl Gane at the White House, Edson said he was grateful for having his physical integrity protected by him.
“Absolutely (Dean did a great job). When he stopped the fight, I went up to him and said, ‘Man, thank you.’ Because I was there, but I wasn’t fully present. I know I can’t keep fighting like that. But at the same time, if the guy had landed one more hard hit on me, I would have been in trouble. I mean, seriously… In my last fight, I don’t want to end up in the hospital. I thanked him for that and for stopping the fight. It’s not about winning or losing. I went in there to win, but it was the perfect moment. The right time. Everything was perfect. I know God is always with me and does the right thing,” he concluded.
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