Edson Barboza
Edson Barboza
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Edson Barboza

Edson Mendes Barboza Júnior (born January 21, 1986) is a Brazilian and American professional mixed martial artist, former Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer. He currently competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has formerly competed at Lightweight.

Barboza comes from Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro. He was born prematurely at 28 weeks and given a 50/50 chance of surviving past infancy. At the age of 8, he began practicing and competing in Muay Thai. His professional Muay Thai record is 25–3, with 22 victories by knockout and 17 first-round finishes. Barboza moved to the United States in January 2009.

Barboza's professional MMA career began in April 2009 in Tampa, Florida, with a victory over Aaron Steadman via TKO in the first round. In his next fight, in the Renaissance MMA promotion, Barboza defeated Lee King via second-round KO, winning the lightweight title. Barboza defended the belt, also against King, later that year, winning via submission in the first round.

Barboza went on to join New Jersey–based promotion Ring of Combat, making his promotional debut at Ring of Combat 28 against Nabih Barakat. He won the fight via KO just over a minute into the first round.

After a second successful title defense in Renaissance MMA, Barboza challenged for the Ring of Combat lightweight belt against Marcelo Guidici. He won the fight via TKO due to leg kicks in the first round.

Barboza's first title defense was originally scheduled for Ring of Combat 31, against Mikhail Malyutin, but, due to his signing with the UFC, he was replaced by Luiz Azeredo.

Barboza was expected to make his UFC debut against Darren Elkins on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123. However, Elkins was forced from the card with an injury and replaced by newcomer Mike Lullo. Shortly into the third round, Barboza defeated Lullo by TKO due to leg kicks (for the first time in UFC history).

Barboza faced Anthony Njokuani on March 19, 2011, at UFC 128, winning by unanimous decision. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.

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