Edson Barboza isn’t slowing down or thinking about retirement anytime soon. The 39-year-old Brazilian steps back into lightweight at UFC 323 in Las Vegas, where he faces Jalin Turner in a fight that could push the winner toward the rankings and push the loser into gatekeeper territory.
Even as he approaches 40, Barboza insists he still feels like a legitimate contender.
“I don’t think about retirement right now, but I need to feel competitive,” Barboza told MMA Junkie. “I promised my wife and my mom I’ll never step into the octagon for money. I still feel competitive, especially in training. I train more than the young kids at American Top Team.”
He believes he’s still right there with the best guys in the world, and as long as that feeling stays alive, he’s not stopping. Barboza enters UFC 323 as a +240 underdog after back-to-back decision losses to Drakkar Klose and Lerone Murphy, but he’s unfazed.
“It’s gonna be a war like always,” Barboza said. “The type of fight that people like, that I like. He’s a great fighter, a great striker, it’s gonna be an exciting fight for sure.”
Barboza also has no issue with Turner returning from retirement.
“For him, if he’s ready to come back to do this, good for him,” he said. “I’m still excited. I still enjoy every second. Every time I step in the Octagon, going to the gym, doing the diet, trying to do everything right. I still love the sport.”
Beyond UFC 323, Barboza admits the weight cuts and the years in the sport have taken a toll, but not enough to dim his competitive fire. Moving back up to lightweight was a relief for both his mind and body.
“A couple years, I was a little bit crazy,” Barboza said. “I was checking my weight in the morning, in the afternoon, at night. It wasn’t good for my body or my mind. Thank God I’m back to lightweight. I’m happy.”
Still, the promise to his family sits in the back of his mind.
“I don’t think about retirement right now,” he said again. “I know I’m still competitive. That’s one reason I keep training and trying to get better, because I still love this sport.”
Barboza faces Turner this Saturday at UFC 323, ready to prove that age hasn’t taken anything from him and that he still has plenty of fight left in him.
