Edson Barboza has blunt message for promoters after UFC retirement

Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Edson Barboza has made it clear that his retirement is final and he has no plans to reverse his decision.

Just days after announcing the end of his 17-year professional mixed martial arts career, the Brazilian has a message for managers and promoters who might try to entice him back into competition.

Barboza rules out an MMA comeback after ending his 17-year fighting career
Barboza announced his retirement after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat, getting finished by Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. The 39-year-old then removed his gloves inside the Octagon as the crowd gave him a standing ovation and chanted his name.

For Barboza, having his children beside him made the moment particularly emotional.

“The entire arena spontaneously chanting ‘Barboza,’ with my kids by my side inside the Octagon — they had never been to one of my fights before,” Barboza told Sherdog. “Definitely, that was the most emotional moment of my career.”

Barboza said age wasn’t the primary factor behind his decision. Instead, a severe left-eye injury suffered against Lerone Murphy proved to be the turning point. He emphasized that he can still beat many fighters but acknowledged that competing at the highest level is no longer realistic for him. Barboza then made his message to potential suitors clear.

“Managers, event promoters, please leave me alone. Don’t offer me any fights,” he said.

After dedicating his life to combat sports since childhood, Barboza knows walking away will be an adjustment. However, retirement does not mean leaving the sport behind.

“Over these 32 years, I’ve had the opportunity to train with dozens of coaches from all over the world, and they taught me so much,” Barboza added. “Keeping all that knowledge to myself would be unfair, so I definitely want to pass it on.”