Las Vegas, NV — It’s been ten years since Edson Barboza’s highlight reel wheel kick knockout of Terry Etim. Nearly thirteen since he started his career as a professional fighter.
Despite that, Barboza (22-10), who returns this weekend to face the undefeated Bryce Mitchell at UFC 274, says that he’s “still learning every single day.”
“That still motivates me. Because like I said, I still learn every single day, not only in the training, but in the fight too.” The most important thing, beyond winning, is that Barboza believes he continues to get better, “and I’m really feeling better every single day.”
Speaking about the Mitchell match-up at this week’s UFC 272 media day, Barboza addressed his opponent’s claim to be an all-around fighter, rather than just a grappler. “It’s an MMA fight. That’s what I learned in this game, you need to be ready for everything. That’s why I was training super hard for this fight, I was training my striking, training my grappling, my wrestling, everything. I feel great, very excited.”
One change for Barboza in this one will be the return of the crowd. The Brazilian has fought in front of fans just once since 2019. “It’s different when you fight in front of the people. I’m very motivated, especially for this one, because my wife is going to be here to watch me. Very excited, very very happy.”
Barboza’s wife took time off from attending his fights to give birth to the couple’s children, and will return to watch her husband live this Saturday for the first time in years.
“I think she’s the most important part of the team, because she stays with me full time, she knows about everything. I’m very motivated. I want to win, I want to give this fight [to] her.”
Watch the full UFC 272 media day appearance from Edson Barboza above. The event takes place this Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. More coverage from the event can be found below.