Edson Barboza admits UFC 330 could be final fight of his career

Just a few days from his next fight, Edson Barboza, for the first time, is openly considering the possibility that it might be his last. At 40 years old and with more than a decade competing in the UFC, the Brazilian revealed he is not thinking about what comes next after his fight against Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330 and is aware the "finish line is getting closer."

Edson Barboza Open to Retirement After UFC 330

With more than 30 fights in the UFC, Barboza has earned a reputation for never turning down a fight. However, for the first time in his career, the Brazilian admits he has accepted that his next bout could be his last. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Barboza said he is focused on this fight while also considering retirement afterward.

"Honestly, I'm not even thinking about that," Barboza began. "I'm just enjoying the moment, because I know the finish line is getting closer, you know? [...] 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."

According to the Brazilian, his decision will depend on whether he still has the desire and feels physically capable of continuing to fight. If that's no longer the case, however, Barboza is at peace with the possibility of retirement, knowing he has always given his best inside the Octagon.

"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," Barboza said. "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."

Edson Barboza Feels Healthier Than Ever

At 40 years old, Barboza decided to take some time off from training after a fight for the first time in his career and says he is reaping the rewards of that decision. According to the Brazilian, the two-month break he took following his fight in December was essential for him to enter this fight camp in much better shape physically and mentally.

"The craziest thing about this whole story is that I never took vacations," Barboza said. "I would always fight and then immediately start training again. [...] I actually rested, mentally and physically. It was the first time in my career, at 40 years old, that I took some time off from fighting. [...] I feel really good right now because I actually spent two months, even a little more, taking care of my physical condition, my nutrition, and my health. I'm healthier than I've ever been."

Family Weighs Heavily On Edson Barboza's Decision

There is another factor that carries considerable weight in Barboza's decision to perhaps hang up his gloves after his next fight: his family. Although the Brazilian made it clear that he still loves fighting, he admitted that missing time with his wife and children weighs heavily on him.

"I missed some moments with my kids, especially moments with my wife, and I know those moments aren't coming back," Barboza said. "You miss them and that's it. They're gone. But I have the opportunity to have those moments again from now on. [...] I love my career, I love fighting, I love training and everything, but missing those moments with my family hurts me a lot. It hurts me deeply. That definitely weighs heavily on the scale when I think about whether I'm going to stop or not."

Edson Barboza Focused on One More War

Ahead of his 33rd UFC fight, Barboza made a point of emphasizing that he will fight whoever the promotion puts in front of him. Even though the Brazilian is currently riding a three-fight losing streak, he guaranteed he is ready for another war in the Octagon. Barboza also expects both fighters to push forward, which he believes will make for an exciting matchup.

"Everyone knows I have 32 fights in the UFC, and I fight whoever the UFC sends me," Barboza said. "It's as simple as that. It's another fight. They offered him to me, and I always say yes. If this is the fight you guys want me to take, then let's go to war. He's an extremely courageous guy, and it's the kind of fight everyone likes to watch. I know he's going to come forward, I'm going to come forward, and we're going to beat each other up."

For now, Barboza remains focused on Ribovics rather than what comes next. With the "finish line" getting closer, the Brazilian remains focused on the present, while the time he has missed with his family continues to weigh on his decision about the future.