Edson Barboza, a legend in the octagon, just dropped a bombshell after retiring from MMA at UFC 330 in Philadelphia: he’s been fighting virtually blind in one eye for the last two years of his 16-year career. This isn’t some minor tweak, folks. We’re talking about a veteran who delivered thrilling knockouts for over a decade and a half, risking it all with a massive injury that makes you question everything.
“I Can’t See With My Right Eye” Changed Everything
Barboza’s vision woes started way back in May 2024, after his fight against Lerone Murphy. That was the moment, he says, when he took the first real hit that kicked off his career-ending losing streak, and it was also when he initially thought about hanging up the gloves. He told “The Ariel Helwani Show” this week that he “can’t see with my right eye.” He’s had two surgeries, and still, for Barboza, it’s a “flashiness” rather than a full blackout. Think about that: no peripheral vision, trying to fight at the highest level. It’s wild. He admitted, “I don’t see anymore with my right eye. I see nothing coming from outside.” Training with only one eye? He called it “super hard” and said he “didn’t feel 100%” for his last two fights. The dude actually told doctors he was ready to go, saying, “if anything happens, it’s my fault.” Talk about heart.
A Warrior’s End: Four Straight Losses, But Peace At Last
The 40-year-old lightweight, with a record of 25-14, finished his career on a four-fight skid, dropping his final bout to Esteban Ribovics via second-round TKO. But it sounds like the decision to retire was already locked in when he signed that contract. Barboza just knew it was time. He said, “I’m not competitive in the high level anymore.” And the biggest tell? After the Ribovics fight, he finally got some peace. “I never sleep after the fight,” he explained. “Thank God, on Saturday night, I finish the fight, go to my room, and I slept like a baby. The first time in my career, I sleep after the fight.” That’s everything, isn’t it? It means “that’s the end.”
Edson Barboza might not have ever challenged for UFC gold, but his highlight-filled career speaks for itself. He’s “happy and proud” of the run he had, and honestly, after fighting with such a severe injury for so long, who wouldn’t be? The good news? Doctors told him his vision is potentially recoverable. We’re talking about a true warrior who literally gave his sight for the sport, and now, he’s finally able to rest and hopefully heal up. What a legacy.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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