Edson Barboza: Top 5 MMA Finishes

With a black pra jiad (armband) in Muay Thai, black belt in Taekwondo and brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Edson Barboza made his MMA debut in 2009. Described as a ‘dyed-in-the-wool striker’ Barboza is known for his dangerous kicking game. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has stated that Barboza is “probably the best kicker in MMA.”

He scored the first wheel kick knockout in UFC history, and is one of two fighters to finish multiple UFC bouts via leg kicks (the other being Antoni Hardonk). Barboza is also known for his effective use of switch kicks, which have been labelled exceptionally quick and ferocious.

Edson won the Ring of Combat Lightweight Championship and the Renaissance MMA Lightweight Championship which he defended twice. He also holds the record of seven knockout victories, the most in UFC Lightweight Division history, tying with Melvin Guillard.

Barboza has been awarded once with a Performance of the Night and a Knockout of the Night and had taken part in seven Fights of the Night in his UFC career. Curious to find out more about this awesome striker? Then follow on as we countdown Edson Barboza’s Top 5 MMA Finishes (in descending order)!

Vs. Evan Dunham — UFC Fight Night 45 (July 16, 2014)

Edson Barboza entered the octagon in his tenth appearance. His record at this time was 8-2 in the UFC.

Both fighters moved and observed each other a lot during this first round without exchanging many strikes. Then, with two minutes left in the very first round, Barboza landed a body kick on Evan and knocked him down to finish the work with a flurry of ground and pound.

Vs. Dan Hooker — UFC on Fox (Dec. 16, 2018)

After two heavy losses, Barboza was deadlocked and absolutely had to prevail in order not to jeopardize his future in the UFC.

During his fight against Hooker, he dominated the exchanges from the start and outstruck his opponent. On several occasions he could’ve finished his opponent off, especially with his devastating low kicks.

He would go on to get the job done in the final round after a cross to the face and an uppercut to the body sending Dan crashing to the mat.

Vs. Rafaello Oliveira — UFC 162 (July 6, 2013)

Barboza advanced aggressively ahead of his compatriot and landed several powerful low kicks. In the second round, Oliveira fell and was unable to continue the bout.

It was Barboza’s second win by TKO using leg kicks and he is the only one to finish his opponents twice by kick-chopping at the legs.

Vs. Beneil Dariush — UFC Fight Night 106 (March 11, 2017)

In the second round, Dariush landed a jab and shot for the takedown.

Unfortunately for him, Barboza counter-attacked with a flying knee to stop the contest earning himself a Performance of the Night bonus.

Vs. Terry Etim — UFC 142 (Jan. 14, 2012)

After a three-win streak in his UFC debut, Barboza entered the octagon to improve his 4-0 record.

In the third and final round, Barboza landed a spinning-wheel kick on the face of Etim who was totally knocked out. Edson, thanks to this convincing performance earned both bonuses of Fight and Performance of the Night.

So there we have it folks, 5 of Edson Barboza’s best finishes! So, from the list above, what’s your favourite Barboza fight moment? Which fighter would you like to see get KFK’d next? Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram.

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