Edson Barboza makes a comeback to combat sports just three months after announcing his retirement from the UFC. However, the Brazilian veteran will take on a different challenge when he faces fellow former UFC fighter Rashid Magomedov in a battle match at ACBJJ 23 on Nov. 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 40-year-old announced his retirement in August after suffering his fourth consecutive loss inside the Octagon. Barboza lost to Esteban Ribovics via second-round TKO, bringing an end to a UFC career that spanned 33 appearances.
The Brazilian built a legendary highlight reel during his time with the promotion, delivering some of the most memorable knockouts in UFC history. Despite his wife urging him to retire several years ago, Barboza remained committed to competing until he eventually decided that his time in MMA had come to an end.
However, retirement has not kept him away from combat sports. ACBJJ announced his signing through an Instagram post, confirming his upcoming appearance under its battle match rules.
According to the promotion’s rulebook, battle matches allow fighters to use punches, kicks, elbows, knees and head strikes both standing and on the ground. Competitors can also attempt submissions and chokeholds without restriction. The only striking restriction prohibits attacks above the collarbone.
Barboza has never been particularly known for his grappling. His striking ability made him one of the most feared fighters on the UFC roster. He recorded just one submission victory before joining the promotion and suffered submission losses to Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone.
However, the veteran has already tested himself in grappling-only competition. Earlier this year, he fought Shara Magomedov to a draw at Hype FC, joining several other MMA names who have recently explored grappling competitions.
Magomedov also brings UFC experience into the matchup. He recorded five wins and one loss during his Octagon run between 2014 and 2017. Since then, he has competed under the PFL and ACA banners, posting a 6-4-1 record with one no-contest.
Barboza’s return to combat sports comes after he opened up about the reasons behind his decision to retire from MMA.
The Brazilian previously explained that he extended his career by several fights despite dealing with significant injuries because he wanted to see how his body would respond. However, he eventually accepted that he was no longer the fighter he used to be.
His financial stability also made the decision easier. Barboza explained that smart investments had given him the freedom to step away from fighting without worrying about his finances.
“I did the right choices in this part of my life about investments,” he told MMA Junkie. “But I’m still 40. I’m still young and very excited about the future. I have a lot of things to do in the future. Thank God I did the right choices on the financial side.”
