Edson Barboza reflects on the physical toll of cutting weight as a featherweight, his return to lightweight, and his ongoing commitment to compete at a high level despite nearing the end of his MMA career.
Edson Barboza has battled some of the top lightweights since his octagon debut 15 years ago. Now back in his original weight class, he’s reflecting on the toll the extra weight cut took on his body.
This weekend, Barboza faces Jalin Turner at UFC 323 in Las Vegas. After returning to lightweight in August against Drakkar Klose, which he lost via decision, he noticed a significant difference in his body just dehydrating to 155 pounds.
“I couldn’t see it because I was so dedicated,” Barboza told MMA Fighting. “It felt like I was in camp all year, fighting physically nonstop. Only after moving back to 155 did I realize how sick I was.”
The American Top Team veteran noted that shedding an additional 10 pounds impacted his training. A stricter diet all year round meant his gym performance took a hit.
“I always scrambled a lot on the ground,” Barboza said. “But cutting weight made me weaker. I got scared of getting hurt, so I stopped scrambling.”
Despite a 4-4 featherweight run, defeating fighters like Makwan Amirkhani and Shane Burgos, Barboza values the experience. “I don’t regret any of it,” he said. “It was important for me to know myself better.”
“My last three fights were two main events,” he continued. “While I’m healthy, I’ll fight to be the best. Climbing the rankings is always the goal.”
Barboza’s next opponent, Turner, briefly retired after losing to Ignacio Bahamondes. Barboza wasn’t surprised to see him return. “Once a fighter, always a fighter,” he remarked.
Approaching 40, Barboza acknowledges he might be nearing the end of his MMA journey. Yet, he feels at his peak entering his 32nd UFC fight.
“Can I be honest? The finish line is getting closer,” Barboza said with a chuckle. “But I’ve learned that with age comes wisdom. I train smarter now, and you’ll still see Edson Barboza for a while.”