After a storied career, Edson Barboza has officially retired from the UFC, and he's making it clear that this decision is final. He has no plans to reverse his retirement, sending a blunt message to promoters. However, Barboza isn't completely stepping away from the sport; he's already identified Mauricio Ruffy as an "improved version" of himself, seeing a lot of his own fighting style in the surging Brazilian star from UFC 331.
Sources (13)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Michael Bisping rips ‘ridiculous’ reason Paddy Pimblett’s UFC purse is withheld (Sherdog)
- Michael Bisping rips ‘ridiculous’ reason Paddy Pimblett’s UFC purse is withheld (Yahoo Sports)
- Bella Mir has some lofty combat sports goals (MMA Weekly)
- Edson Barboza has blunt message for promoters after UFC retirement (Sherdog)
- Jiri Prochazka shuts down Paulo Costa UFC interim title fight rumors (Sherdog)
- Paulo Costa says UFC is ‘lost’ without Dana White more involved (Sherdog)
- Gregory Rodrigues responds to Anthony Hernandez cheating allegations (MMA Weekly)
- Michael Bisping leaks potential Paddy Pimblett title fight to take place at UFC 334 (Bloody Elbow)
- Edson Barboza calls UFC 331 star an ‘improved version of me’ (Sherdog)
- Bella Mir has some lofty combat sports goals (Yahoo Sports)
- Shara Bullet vs. Neiman Gracie booked for grappling contest (Sherdog)
- Jordan Burroughs calls out Georges St. Pierre for wrestling match (Sherdog)
- Shara Magomedov Gets Neiman Gracie For RAF Moscow Grappling Detour On Sept. 5 (MiddleEasy)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the August 25, 2026 edition of the daily show.