Edson Barboza speaks in a cage-side interview after his fight at UFC 330 on Sunday, announcing his retirement. [Getty Images]
Edson Barboza speaks in a cage-side interview after his fight at UFC 330 on Sunday, announcing his retirement. [Getty Images]

Edson Barboza, the 40-year-old Brazilian fighter who announced his retirement after UFC 330, has revealed he competed in his final three bouts nearly blind in his right eye due to an injury sustained two years ago.

Barboza dropped his gloves in the octagon and made an emotional retirement announcement after losing to Esteban Ribovics by second-round TKO at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Sunday. He was in tears as he walked out to the arena, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.

In an interview with North American combat sports outlet MMA Junkie on Wednesday, Barboza said he had nearly lost all vision in his right eye. "Most people have no idea about this," he said. "I can't see out of this side."

The injury originated in his main event bout against Lerone Murphy in May 2024. Barboza said he had been dealing with vision problems ever since that fight — which also marked the start of a four-fight losing streak that ended his career.

"I can't see anything coming from the right side," he said. "That was the first time I seriously thought this sport is really tough and dangerous."

When he told his wife about the injury, she urged him to retire immediately. He chose instead to fight on and assess his condition over a few more bouts, competing in three more fights — all of which he lost. The vision problem ultimately became both a factor in those defeats and a reason for his retirement.

Barboza said he had already known, before stepping into the cage at UFC 330, that it would be his last fight regardless of the outcome. He kept his retirement plans secret from almost everyone, telling only his wife and children.

Beyond the vision issue, physical decline at 40 also played a role in his decision to step away. "My last three fights, I was fully prepared," he said. "My mind was still sharp — I knew exactly what I needed to do. But my body just wouldn't respond."

Barboza made his UFC debut in November 2010 and compiled an 18-15 record inside the octagon. His overall professional record stands at 24-15 across 39 fights — one fewer than his age — a testament to a long and storied career.

His fights were known above all for their excitement. He earned 13 post-fight bonuses in the UFC, including 10 Fight of the Night awards — second only to Justin Gaethje's 11 in UFC history, a record he shares with at least one other fighter.

Barboza said he is financially secure, having invested wisely throughout his fighting career. He credited his wife in particular for consistently encouraging him to think about his future beyond the sport.

Following his retirement announcement, Barboza received calls and messages from UFC leadership. UFC CEO Dana White praised him at the post-fight press conference, and UFC executive Hunter Campbell called him personally to express his gratitude.

Matchmaker Sean Shelby also sent a text message thanking him for his long service to the organization. Barboza headlined UFC events six times during his career.

Barboza asked representatives from other promotions not to send fight offers to his manager, making clear he has no intention of competing again anywhere. He said he wants to pass on the knowledge he has built up training under world-class coaches since the age of 8, and plans to pursue a career as a coach.


yjc@heraldcorp.com