Edson Barboza facts for kids
In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Mendes and the second or paternal family name is Barboza. "Júnior" is a generational suffix used for someone whose name is the same as their father, like "Jr." in English.
Quick facts for kids Edson Barboza |
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|---|---|
| Born | Edson Mendes Barboza Júnior January 21, 1986 Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st) |
| Division | Lightweight (2009–2019) Featherweight (2020–present) |
| Reach | 75 in (190 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Team | Valor Martial Arts (2009–2012) Ricardo Almeida BJJ American Top Team |
| Trainer |
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| Rank | Black prajied in Muay Thai under Anderson França Black belt in Taekwondo Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Almeida |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 28 |
| Wins | 25 |
| By knockout | 22 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 36 |
| Wins | 24 |
| By knockout | 14 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 9 |
| Losses | 12 |
| By knockout | 4 |
| By submission | 2 |
| By decision | 6 |
Edson Mendes Barboza Júnior (born January 21, 1986) is a professional mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai kickboxer from Brazil and the United States. He competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He used to compete in the Lightweight division. As of May 21, 2024, he is ranked #15 in the UFC featherweight rankings.
Contents
Edson Barboza's Fighting Journey
Early Life and Training
Edson Barboza was born in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was born early, at 28 weeks, and doctors thought he might not survive. But he did! At age 8, he started training and competing in Muay Thai, a type of martial art. He had a great record in professional Muay Thai, winning 25 fights and losing only 3. A lot of his wins (22 of them) were by knockout. In January 2009, Barboza moved to the United States.
Starting in Mixed Martial Arts
Barboza began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in April 2009 in Tampa, Florida. He won his first fight by TKO (Technical Knockout) in the first round. He quickly won the lightweight title in the Renaissance MMA promotion and defended it twice.
He then joined the Ring of Combat promotion in New Jersey. There, he also won the lightweight belt by defeating Marcelo Guidici with powerful leg kicks. His success led him to sign with the UFC.
Fighting in the UFC
Barboza made his UFC debut in November 2010. He won his first UFC fight by TKO using leg kicks, which was a first in UFC history!
Key Fights and Achievements
Barboza quickly became known for his exciting fights and powerful kicks.
- In 2011, he won "Fight of the Night" bonuses for his matches against Anthony Njokuani and Ross Pearson.
- In 2012, he made history at UFC 142 by knocking out Terry Etim with a spinning wheel kick. This was the first time anyone had done that in the UFC! This win earned him "Knockout of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" awards.
- He faced his first professional MMA loss in May 2012 against Jamie Varner.
- Throughout 2013 and 2014, Barboza continued to have exciting fights, winning against opponents like Lucas Martins, Rafaello Oliveira, Evan Dunham, and Bobby Green. His fight against Danny Castillo in 2013 also earned "Fight of the Night" honors.
- In 2015, he had another "Fight of the Night" against Paul Felder, which UFC President Dana White called "incredible."
- After a few tough losses, Barboza moved to New Jersey to train with new coaches. He then won against well-known fighters like Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez in 2016.
- In 2017, he won a "Performance of the Night" bonus for his flying knee knockout against Beneil Dariush.
- In 2019, he had an exciting "Fight of the Night" against Justin Gaethje.
Moving to Featherweight
In 2020, Barboza decided to move down to the Featherweight division. He had a close fight against Dan Ige, which many people thought he won. Later that year, he won against Makwan Amirkhani.
In 2021, Barboza signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC. He had a memorable knockout win against Shane Burgos at UFC 262, earning another "Fight of the Night" bonus.
Recent Fights
Barboza continues to compete at the highest level.
- In 2023, he had a stunning knockout win against Billy Quarantillo, earning him a "Performance of the Night" award.
- He also had an amazing comeback win against Sodiq Yusuff, which earned him his ninth "Fight of the Night" award and was named "Fan's Choice Comeback of the Year" by UFC Honors.
- In May 2024, he faced Lerone Murphy and earned his tenth "Fight of the Night" award, tying the record for most "Fight of the Night" bonuses in UFC history.
- He is scheduled to fight Steve Garcia in February 2025.
Edson Barboza's Fighting Style
Edson Barboza is famous for his amazing striking skills, especially his powerful kicks. Many people, including UFC commentator Joe Rogan, say he is "probably the best kicker in MMA." He was the first fighter in UFC history to get a knockout with a spinning wheel kick. He is also one of only three fighters to win multiple UFC fights using leg kicks. His switch kicks are known for being super fast and strong.
Personal Life
Edson Barboza is married to Bruna, and they have a son and a daughter. In 2022, he became an American citizen.
Awards and Achievements
Edson Barboza has earned many awards and titles throughout his career:
Kickboxing
- 2007 Demolition Fight Grand Prix Winner
Mixed Martial Arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (Ten times): He has won this award for exciting fights against Anthony Njokuani, Ross Pearson, Terry Etim, Danny Castillo, Paul Felder (first fight), Tony Ferguson, Justin Gaethje, Shane Burgos, Sodiq Yusuff, and Lerone Murphy.
- He is tied with Dustin Poirier for the most "Fight of the Night" bonuses in UFC history (10).
- He is tied for the eighth most "Post-Fight" bonuses in UFC history (13).
- Performance of the Night (Two times): For his impressive wins against Beneil Dariush and Billy Quarantillo.
- Knockout of the Night (One time): For his knockout against Terry Etim.
- He is tied for the third most knockouts in UFC Lightweight division history (7).
- He has the fourth most knockdowns in UFC history (16).
- Fight of the Night (Ten times): He has won this award for exciting fights against Anthony Njokuani, Ross Pearson, Terry Etim, Danny Castillo, Paul Felder (first fight), Tony Ferguson, Justin Gaethje, Shane Burgos, Sodiq Yusuff, and Lerone Murphy.
- UFC Honors Awards
- 2019: Nominated for "President's Choice Fight of the Year" for his fight against Justin Gaethje.
- 2023: Won "Fan's Choice Comeback of the Year" for his fight against Sodiq Yusuff.
- UFC.com Awards
- 2012: "Knockout of the Year" for his spinning wheel kick against Terry Etim.
- 2023: Ranked #8 "Knockout of the Year" for his knee KO against Billy Quarantillo and #8 "Fight of the Year" for his fight against Sodiq Yusuff.
- Renaissance MMA
- Renaissance MMA Lightweight Champion (One time)
- Successfully defended his title two times.
- Ring of Combat
- Ring of Combat Lightweight Champion (One time)
- World MMA Awards
- 2012 "Knockout of the Year" for his spinning wheel kick against Terry Etim.
- Sherdog
- 2012 "Knockout of the Year" against Terry Etim.
- 2017 "Knockout of the Year" against Beneil Dariush.
- 2018 "Beatdown of the Year" against Dan Hooker.
Edson Barboza's MMA Record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 36 matches | 24 wins | 12 losses |
| By knockout | 14 | 4 |
| By submission | 1 | 2 |
| By decision | 9 | 6 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 24–12 | Lerone Murphy | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Murphy | May 18, 2024 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 24–11 | Sodiq Yusuff | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Yusuff vs. Barboza | October 14, 2023 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 23–11 | Billy Quarantillo | KO (knee) | UFC on ESPN: Holloway vs. Allen | April 15, 2023 | 1 | 2:37 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Loss | 22–11 | Bryce Mitchell | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 272 | March 5, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 22–10 | Giga Chikadze | TKO (punches) | UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Chikadze | August 28, 2021 | 3 | 1:44 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 22–9 | Shane Burgos | KO (punches) | UFC 262 | May 15, 2021 | 3 | 1:16 | Houston, Texas, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 21–9 | Makwan Amirkhani | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen | October 11, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | |
| Loss | 20–9 | Dan Ige | Decision (split) | UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris | May 16, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Jacksonville, Florida, United States | Featherweight debut. |
| Loss | 20–8 | Paul Felder | Decision (split) | UFC 242 | September 7, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | |
| Loss | 20–7 | Justin Gaethje | KO (punch) | UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Gaethje | March 30, 2019 | 1 | 2:30 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 20–6 | Dan Hooker | KO (punch to the body) | UFC on Fox: Lee vs. Iaquinta 2 | December 15, 2018 | 3 | 2:19 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | |
| Loss | 19–6 | Kevin Lee | TKO (doctor stoppage) | UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee | April 21, 2018 | 5 | 2:18 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Catchweight (157 lb) bout; Lee missed weight. |
| Loss | 19–5 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 219 | December 30, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 19–4 | Beneil Dariush | KO (knee) | UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum | March 11, 2017 | 2 | 3:35 | Fortaleza, Brazil | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 18–4 | Gilbert Melendez | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko | July 23, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 17–4 | Anthony Pettis | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 197 | April 23, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 16–4 | Tony Ferguson | Submission (d’arce choke) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale | December 11, 2015 | 2 | 2:54 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Ferguson was deducted one point in round one due to an illegal upkick. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 16–3 | Paul Felder | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs. Barão 2 | July 25, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 15–3 | Michael Johnson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Bigfoot vs. Mir | February 22, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Porto Alegre, Brazil | |
| Win | 15–2 | Bobby Green | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson | November 22, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Austin, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 14–2 | Evan Dunham | TKO (kick to the body and punches) | UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Miller | July 16, 2014 | 1 | 3:06 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Loss | 13–2 | Donald Cerrone | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne | April 19, 2014 | 1 | 3:15 | Orlando, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 13–1 | Danny Castillo | Decision (majority) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2 | December 14, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Sacramento, California, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 12–1 | Rafaello Oliveira | TKO (leg kicks) | UFC 162 | July 6, 2013 | 2 | 1:44 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 11–1 | Lucas Martins | TKO (punches) | UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping | January 19, 2013 | 1 | 2:38 | São Paulo, Brazil | |
| Loss | 10–1 | Jamie Varner | TKO (punches) | UFC 146 | May 26, 2012 | 1 | 3:23 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 10–0 | Terry Etim | KO (spinning wheel kick) | UFC 142 | January 14, 2012 | 3 | 2:02 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Knockout of the Night. Fight of the Night. Knockout of the Year. |
| Win | 9–0 | Ross Pearson | Decision (split) | UFC 134 | August 27, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 8–0 | Anthony Njokuani | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 128 | March 19, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 7–0 | Mike Lullo | TKO (leg kicks) | UFC 123 | November 20, 2010 | 3 | 0:26 | Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States | |
| Win | 6–0 | Marcelo Guidici | TKO (leg kicks) | Ring of Combat 30 | June 11, 2010 | 1 | 3:01 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Won the Ring of Combat Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 5–0 | Jose Figueroa | KO (punch) | Renaissance MMA 16 | March 5, 2010 | 1 | 3:55 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | Defended the Renaissance MMA Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 4–0 | Nabih Barakat | KO (punches) | Ring of Combat 28 | February 19, 2010 | 1 | 1:09 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Lee King | Submission (anaconda choke) | Renaissance MMA 15 | November 20, 2009 | 1 | 2:04 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | Defended the Renaissance MMA Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 2–0 | Lee King | KO (punches) | Renaissance MMA 12 | June 13, 2009 | 2 | 1:14 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | Won the Renaissance MMA Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 1–0 | Aaron Steadman | TKO (punches) | Real Fighting Championships 17 | April 17, 2009 | 1 | 3:34 | Tampa, Florida, United States |
Muay Thai & Kickboxing Record
| 25 Wins (22 (T)KO's), 3 Losses | |||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-11-10 | Win |  Tadeu San Martino |
Demolition Fight VI, Final | São Paulo, Brazil | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | ||
| Wins Demolition Fight Grand Prix. | |||||||||
| 2007-11-10 | Win | Marfio Canoletti |
Demolition Fight VI, Semi Final | São Paulo, Brazil | KO (Punches) | 1 | 2:46 | ||
| 2007-11-10 | Win | Marcos Rodrigues |
Demolition Fight VI, Quarter Final | São Paulo, Brazil | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | 1 | 3:00 | ||
| 2007-03-29 | Loss | Tadeu San Martino |
GP la Gara, Final | Brazil | KO (Punches) | 3 | |||
| 2006-11-18 | Win | Jair Portilho |
Festival de Muay Thai | Rio, Brazil | KO | 2 | |||
| 2006-09-23 | Loss | Bruno Carvalho |
Demolition Fight IV | São Paulo, Brazil | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | ||
| For the Demolition Fight -70kg title. | |||||||||
| 2006-05-22 | Win | Wendell Gomes |
Brazilian PowerForce | São Paulo, Brazil | KO(Left Hook) | ||||
| 2006-04-06 | Win |  Luis Garcia |
Demolition: Muay Thai 3 | São Paulo, Brazil | KO(Right Hook) | 1 | |||
| 2006-02-22 | Win |  Casey Bates |
Demolition: Muay Thai | São Paulo, Brazil | KO(body shot) | 1 | |||
| 2005-10-10 | Win | Flavio Pardinho |
Demolition Fight II | São Paulo, Brazil | KO | 3 | 1:11 | ||
| Loss | Bruno Carvalho |
AFC BR I | Brazil | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |||
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | |||||||||
See Also
In Spanish: Edson Barboza para niños
- List of current UFC fighters
- List of male mixed martial artists
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