RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
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.”
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