Overview
- Barboza announced his retirement in the Octagon after a second‑round TKO loss to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 and left his gloves in the cage as a final gesture.
- He revealed that a severe right‑eye injury suffered in his May 2024 fight with Lerone Murphy nearly cost him vision, required two surgeries, and left him with little to no sight on that side.
- Barboza said medical staff cleared him to keep competing and that he signed paperwork accepting the risks, yet he still returned for three more UFC fights after the injury.
- At 40 and coming off a four‑fight losing streak, Barboza said family pressure—especially his wife’s urging—plus concern for long‑term health and financial readiness shaped his decision to stop and to pursue coaching.
- His disclosure spotlights how ringside medical clearance and athletic‑commission oversight handle serious, persistent injuries in combat sports and leaves his vision prognosis uncertain while he plans a move into coaching.