Esteban Ribovics came to UFC 330 promising violence against one of the most violent strikers in UFC history, and he delivered.
But after defeating Edson Barboza in the final fight of the Brazilian legend’s career, the victory carried a little more emotion for Ribovics, who watched one of his idols leave the cage for the final time.
“I did what I said I was going to do, bring the violence, and he deserved nothing less. It feels good to win, but at the same time, it’s a little sad knowing it was his last fight,” Ribovics told reporters including Cageside Press at his post-fight scrum.
“An idol of mine, a legend, that part is a bit sad.”
Sharing the cage with Barboza meant more to Ribovics than simply adding another name to his record. After the fight, he made sure to thank one of the fighters who helped shape the striker he eventually became.
“I told him thank you for accepting the fight with me. Thank you for your incredible career, for his legacy, for being my idol and the motivation of the striker I am today,” he said.
“He told me thank you, God bless you, and continue my legacy.”
Ribovics isn’t interested in waiting around after his latest trip to the cage. He wants a tough opponent next and doesn’t particularly care when, where or how the fight plays out.
“I want a good, tough, opponent. If you want a good show, give me a striker, if not I can go to the ground as well,” said Ribovics.
“Place and date don’t matter. I’m going back to training on Monday and we’ll be ready for the call.”
*Translated by Cageside Press
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Esteban Ribovics above.
