Esteban Ribovics locked horns with Edson Barboza earlier tonight at UFC 330 to kickstart the main card.
As the three-round 155-pound contest commenced, the Argentine fighter was looking for an all-out slugfest to get back to winning ways. He relentlessly pressured the 40-year-old Barboza, walking him down, piecing him up with combinations, and bloodying his opponent.
By the end of Round 1, Barboza had absorbed a ton of punishment and was on the verge of being finished but somehow managed to survive.
As Round 2 began, a wounded “Junior” endured further punishment as a hungry Ribovics sensed blood. “El Gringo” pressed the UFC veteran against the cage, battering him with heavy shots and elbows and bloodying him even further.
Although Barboza showed tremendous heart and was not game to quit, referee Herb Dean had seen enough and stepped in to stop the contest before things could look even worse for the 40-year-old.
Official decision: Esteban Ribovics defeated Edson Barboza by TKO in Round 2 (1:32) at UFC 330.
After the UFC 330 TKO loss, Edson Barboza announced his retirement.
UFC 330: Edson Barboza vs. Esteban Ribovics – Highlights
