Edson Barboza
Junior

Brazil
Drops decision in Chicago
Barboza lost to Drakkar Klose via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC 319 on Saturday in Chicago, Illinois.
ANALYSIS
It was an odd performance by Barboza, who got stung by the same overhand right repeatedly before being held in the clinch. The veteran was able to put together a nice third round as Klose wore down, but the urgency to close the show was nowhere to be found. "Junior" still has some of the best kicks in the division, but this feels like a fight he would have won three years ago, which raises questions as to how long the 39-year-old can compete at this level. Barboza falls to 24-13-0 in professional MMA as a result of the loss.
It was an odd performance by Barboza, who got stung by the same overhand right repeatedly before being held in the clinch. The veteran was able to put together a nice third round as Klose wore down, but the urgency to close the show was nowhere to be found. "Junior" still has some of the best kicks in the division, but this feels like a fight he would have won three years ago, which raises questions as to how long the 39-year-old can compete at this level. Barboza falls to 24-13-0 in professional MMA as a result of the loss.
Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
More Fantasy News
Fighting in Chicago
Barboza will take on Drakkar Klose in a featherweight bout at UFC 319 in Chicago on Aug. 16, per Nolan King of USA Today.
ANALYSIS
Barboza most recently had his bout with Steve Garcia pulled from the UFC Seattle card back in February. Prior to that, he lost to Lerone Murphy via unanimous decision back in 2024. Now, he'll get a chance to go for UFC win No. 19 in his 31st fight with the promotion.
Barboza most recently had his bout with Steve Garcia pulled from the UFC Seattle card back in February. Prior to that, he lost to Lerone Murphy via unanimous decision back in 2024. Now, he'll get a chance to go for UFC win No. 19 in his 31st fight with the promotion.
Fight pulled from card
Barboza (undisclosed) will no longer take on Steve Garcia in a featherweight bout at UFC Seattle, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Barboza reportedly pulled out of the fight, and his opponent Garcia isn't slated to receive a replacement. Barboza will have to wait a little while longer to try to bounce back from his last fight, a loss at the hands of Lerone Murphy.
Barboza reportedly pulled out of the fight, and his opponent Garcia isn't slated to receive a replacement. Barboza will have to wait a little while longer to try to bounce back from his last fight, a loss at the hands of Lerone Murphy.
Slated to face Garcia
Barboza will take on Steve Garcia in a featherweight bout at a UFC event on February 22, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Barboza will be looking to bounce back, as he's coming off a loss to Lerone Murphy via unanimous decision back in May. Prior to that, he'd stacked consecutive victories against Billy Quarantillo and Sadiq Yusuff. He'll be looking for his 19th win with the promotion.
Barboza will be looking to bounce back, as he's coming off a loss to Lerone Murphy via unanimous decision back in May. Prior to that, he'd stacked consecutive victories against Billy Quarantillo and Sadiq Yusuff. He'll be looking for his 19th win with the promotion.
No-shows Vegas main event
Barboza lost to Lerone Murphy via unanimous decision (46-49, 45-50, 45-50) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
This fight is a perfect example as to why the days of Barboza going up against legitimate top-10 competition have come and gone. Yes, he entered with back-to-back wins over Sodiq Yusuff and Billy Quarantillo, but Murphy is lightyears better than both those guys and showed it in this one. Simply put, Edson absorbs far too much punishment on the feet to defeat any opponent that doesn't gas out. His footwork has totally evaporated, and he's unable to get his head off the center line. He again deserves credit for seeing the final bell, but you can only absorb 100-plus significant strikes over and over every time out before things end badly. Edson has displayed zero desire to step aside, but the UFC needs to be exceedingly careful regarding who they match him up against moving forward if they plan on keep running him out there. Despite the shortcoming that were brought to light here, both men still ended up walking away with a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus.
This fight is a perfect example as to why the days of Barboza going up against legitimate top-10 competition have come and gone. Yes, he entered with back-to-back wins over Sodiq Yusuff and Billy Quarantillo, but Murphy is lightyears better than both those guys and showed it in this one. Simply put, Edson absorbs far too much punishment on the feet to defeat any opponent that doesn't gas out. His footwork has totally evaporated, and he's unable to get his head off the center line. He again deserves credit for seeing the final bell, but you can only absorb 100-plus significant strikes over and over every time out before things end badly. Edson has displayed zero desire to step aside, but the UFC needs to be exceedingly careful regarding who they match him up against moving forward if they plan on keep running him out there. Despite the shortcoming that were brought to light here, both men still ended up walking away with a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus.
Next fight scheduled
Barboza is scheduled to compete against Lerone Murphy in a featherweight fight at the UFC Apex's May 18 event, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Barboza will look to continue his positive momentum from 2023. That year, he went 2-0, wins which included a first-round knockout of Billy Quarantillo and a five-round decision win over Sodiq Yusuff. However, Murphy's opponent is surging, remaining undefeated in his MMA career and after having six fights with the UFC.
Barboza will look to continue his positive momentum from 2023. That year, he went 2-0, wins which included a first-round knockout of Billy Quarantillo and a five-round decision win over Sodiq Yusuff. However, Murphy's opponent is surging, remaining undefeated in his MMA career and after having six fights with the UFC.