UFC veteran Edson Barboza has addressed the possibility of him retiring from mixed martial arts as he prepares to make his return to action at UFC 330.
While he’s certainly had an inconsistent run in recent times, 40-year-old Edson Barboza is still viewed as a notable fan favorite in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has faced some elite talent throughout the course of his career, and he also has some of the most memorable knockouts that we have ever seen in the UFC. When he faces Esteban Ribovics, though, he will be seen by many as an underdog.
For Edson Barboza, and any fighter who has been in the game as long as him, thinking about the future is important. There are so many past instances of athletes carrying on for too long, leading to health problems that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
In a recent interview, Edson Barboza had the following to say about possibly retiring.
Edson Barboza talks retirement discussions
“Honestly, I’m not even thinking about that,” Barboza told MMA Fighting when asked about who could be his next opponent. “I’m just enjoying the moment, because I know the finish line is getting closer, you know? It’s like when you’re running a marathon and your body is in the final stretch and the finish line is right there. That’s why I’m not thinking too far ahead. I’m just thinking about this next fight. This next fight could be the finish line, man. I don’t know. Honestly, I’m focused on the moment, on this next fight.
“If I feel good, if I want to continue, which is the most important thing, and if I’m physically in good shape to keep going, I’ll keep going. But if not, I’m a very happy person, and I’m very comfortable with everything I’ve accomplished in my career. I think if I wanted to retire today, I could definitely put my head on the pillow and sleep peacefully because I know I gave my best and did everything I was supposed to do. I’m not thinking about anything beyond this fight. I’m just focused on the next one. Who knows? It could be the last one, it might not be. We’ll see what happens.”
Quotes via MMA Fighting
