Can Edson Barboza Still Become a Champion?
Or is it Too Late for the Elite Striker?
For almost 13 years Edson Barboza has been one of the most electrifying kickboxers on the UFC roster.
The dynamic Brazillian striker has racked up 12 wins in the UFC, with 8 of those coming by way of either knock out (KO) or technical knock out (TKO).
The variety and viciousness of his kicks are the stuff highlight reels are made of. Literally.
But despite all of the acclaim, unreal talent, and legendary performances, Barboza has never fought for a UFC title.
And while he’s consistently been ranked in the top 15 of two divisions during his UFC career, every time he approaches the top of the division, he comes up short.
At 37 years old, and currently fighting in a stacked featherweight division (145lbs), is there still time for the legendary fighter to win UFC gold?
What is it that’s holding him back?
Barboza’s Fighting Style
Barboza has been training in Muay Thai kickboxing since he was a youth.
Muay thai, a form of kickboxing from Thailand, utilizes all “8 limbs”:
- 2 Fists
- 2 Knees
- 2 Elbows
- 2 Shins
It’s an equally exciting and brutal combat sport and one that Barboza became highly skilled in.
Here’s a quick clip of his high level striking in action:
Before starting MMA (mixed martial arts) Barboza competed for years in Muay Thai and amassed a record of 25–3 with with 22 wins by KO and 17 first round finishes.
Muay Thai fighters are known for their aggressive, come-forward style.
When many Muay Thai fighters transition to MMA they keep that same style as their base while adding elements of the other martial arts used in MMA.
There’s a lot of benefits to that style, such as:
- proficiency in a variety of strikes (knees, elbows, kicks, punches)
- conditioned shins (Muay Thai fighters are accustomed to taking leg kicks and usually have desensitized shins. More so than most fighters.)
- aggresiveness
- a high guard: Muay Thai fighters typically hold their hands high near their faces and ears which helps them block shots to the head
However, that kick-heavy style can leave many fighters being susceptible to being taken by wrestlers, grapplers, or any fighter who can shoot a takedown.
And, that aggressive style of always coming forward does not always utilize sophisticated footwork patterns which are meant to confuse an opponent.
If you’re continuously marching forward but you’re opponent has deft and intricate footwork, she or he may just outmaneuver you while landing shots and getting out of the way of yours.
Do these problems apply to Barboza specifically?
It would seem that they have at times.
While Barboza currently has a 75% takedown defense rate, which is high, he’s struggled with dominant wrestlers and grapplers such as Kevin Lee, Bryce Mitchell, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
That’s not a huge flaw in his style, though. As most fighters have struggled against those three fighters at some point.
However, Barboza, while a fast-moving striker with good lateral movement, seemed confused by the footwork of fellow striker Giga Chikadze (pictured above).
Chikadze seemed to perplex Barboza by switching stances and changing his rhythm.
Again, Barboza is fast and his kicks are even faster, but his seemingly basic footwork doesn’t seem to hold up against a fighter who can employ trickier footwork patterns.
Barboza is Ranked 14th in the Feathweight Division
For years Barboza was a mainstay of the lightweight (155lb) division.
At 5'11 with a 75 inch wingspan and an absolutely chiseled physique, this seemed to be the perfect division for him.
But after losing to Paul Felder by split decision in 2019, which was his 4th loss in five fights, Barboza decided to switch things up and move down to the featherweight division in 2020.
While he manages to safely make the weight cut to 145lbs, Barboza has not had an easy run in the featherweight division.
He’s lost 3 of his 5 fights in the division, and was stopped by strikes once.
However, he’s also put on the type of legendary performances you expect from him against notable fighters like Shane Burgos and Makwan Amirkhani.
Age and momentum are not on his side but he still holds the 14th spot in the division at the moment.
And he’s still game enough to put that spot on the line against the up and coming, but unranked, Billy Quarantillo, on April 15.
How Do Barboza & Quarantillo Compare?
Quarantillo has a black belt in brazillian jiu jitsu and has finished 5 fights with a submission, and 8 by way of KO.
While he’s certainly competent on the ground, his wrestling seems to be lacking.
He’s attempted 41 takedowns in the UFC and has only landed 1 of them.
He also doesn’t pressure his opponents in the way other fights have pressured Barboza.
Quarantillo is a competent striker with good boxing and has proven his willingness to trade punches with his opponent several times.
But is striking certainly can’t compare to Barboza’s.
Barboza will have a huge advantage on the feet, especially if Quarantillo doesn’t pressure him and gives him space to throw his devastating kicks.
Barboza will also have a 5 inch reach advantage which he could use to land punches without getting hit.
Also, Quarantillo, is not known for his fancy footwork. So if he stays in the pocket and is willing to trade strikes with Barboza he may be in trouble.
Can Edson Make Another Run For the Title?
A win over Quarantillo would show Barboza can still compete with younger fighters who have shown to be durable and have a mostly well-rounded game.
But, it would be unlikely to move him up the rankings.
However, his next fight would almost certainly be against a ranked fighter. And, because Barboza is a household name with fight fans, the UFC would likely push Barboza if he was able to defeat someone after Quarantillo.
Of course, this is easier said than done.
The featherweight division is stacked with fighters from various disciplines, including elite wrestlers.
If Barboza gets past Quarantillo, which he is more than capable of doing, the competition only gets harder.
To get to a title shot, Barboza will need to put together 3 or 4 wins. Which would mean he would be fighting for a title in 2024, when he’s 38 years old.
It’s not impossible. But it’s unlikely.
