About Edson Barboza
For fight spectators, the lines between the fights and the fighters can sometimes blur. Considering all of the up-and-comers and other things, it’s possible to watch 40 events in a single year without even breaking a sweat. However, those who had the good fortune to watch UFC 142 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on January 14, 2012, are probably immune to the blurring issue. Because Terry Etim was a competitive opponent that day for Edson Barboza. Things changed from being amusing to outstanding in the third round.
You see, Barboza turned around at that point and kicked his opponent in the spinning wheel, knocking him out instantly. Fans quickly realized that they were looking at a completely different kind of striker in Barboza.
This is his tale.
Date of Birth: Barboza was born on January, 21, 1986 in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Training Camp and Fighting Organization:
Barboza trains out of Valor MMA in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He fights for the UFC.
Background in martial arts and early years
“I used to be a hyperactive child, and the doctor said I should spend all my energy in some sport, but my parents didn’t have any money to spend on any school to do a sport,” Barboza explained to Bleacher Report back in 2012.
“I started doing a Muay Thai social project. This project was especially for needy children who (didn’t) have any money to spend. So, I started to do it when I was eight-years-old… I used to like to go there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights after school. I couldn’t wait to do Muay Thai, and to be learning new punches and kicks.”
“I think since the first time that I kicked on the bag I wanted to be a fighter.”
According to rumors, Barboza started learning Taekwondo at the age of three and Muay Thai at the age of five. He mentioned a humanitarian project that clearly paid off for him because he is now a black belt in Taekwondo, a black belt in Muay Thai, and a purple belt in BJJ.
Beginnings of MMA
Barboza competed in Muay Thai and earned a 25-3 record with 22 knockouts before to turning pro in MMA. He won 17 battles in the first round along the road.
At Real Fighting Championships 17, Barboza made his professional MMA debut on April 17, 2009, defeating Aaron Steadman via first-round TKO. Before the UFC offered him a contract, he won his first six matches by way of submission, winning the Ring of Combat and Renaissance MMA Lightweight Championships along the way.
Beginnings of UFC
On November 20, 2010, at UFC 123, Barboza made his UFC debut by TKO-ing Mike Lullo (with leg kicks) in round three. He would defeat Terry Etim with his now renowned spinning wheel kick two fights later.
Combative Style
Barboza is renowned for his striking, especially his potent arsenal of kicks. His stand-up routine is challenging and versatile, as seen by his spinning kicks. Barboza boasts some of the most powerful leg kicks in the current game and makes great use of his hands.
He’s known for knockouts, to put it simply.
Several of Edson Barboza’s greatest triumphs include:
At UFC 142, Barboza knocks out Terry Etim in the third round. Barboza’s spinning wheel kick caught the attention of the entire MMA community as he turned and delivered it.
At UFC 123, Barboza knocks out Mike Lullo in the third round: The world instantly realized how potent his leg kicks in this one were.
At Rennaisance, Barboza defeats Lee King via second-round KO. MMA 12: Barboza won a championship in just his second match. There is always meaning in the first title.
