Junior
Edson Barboza
Career overview
Edson Barboza, a 38-year-old orthodox lightweight from Brazil, holds a 24-14 professional record marked by inconsistency across his recent eight-fight stretch (4W-4L). Operating as a volume striker with moderate output, Barboza averages 4.14 strikes landed per minute at 44% accuracy while absorbing 4.68 strikes per minute and defending 55% of incoming strikes.
His grappling remains limited, with just 0.43 takedowns attempted per 15 minutes at 50% accuracy, though he defends takedowns at a respectable 73% rate. Recent performances illustrate his decline: after a split-decision loss to Paul Felder in 2019, Barboza rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over Sodiq Yusuff in October 2023, only to suffer another unanimous decision defeat to Lerone Murphy in May 2024.
Earlier wins over Makwan Amirkhani (2020) and King Green (2014) came via decision, reflecting his reliance on point-fighting rather than finishing ability. At lightweight, Barboza's career trajectory suggests he operates best against mid-tier competition, where his cardio and pace can accumulate rounds, but struggles against elite strikers with superior precision and power.