Edson Barboza 'Very Happy' To Put First Losing Streak Behind Him

Edson Barboza is back in the winner’s column with an impressive showing against Dan Hooker on Saturday night in Milwaukee to snap the first losing streak of his career, and seems like a man revitalized.

That two-fight skid, consisting of losses to Kevin Lee in April and Khabib Nurmagomedov last December, was especially demoralizing, as two of the more physically imposing men in the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight division suffocated Barboza, offering him little opportunity to unleash his vaunted kicking game.

In the lead-up to the fight with Hooker, the 32 year-old claimed he was feeling “zero pressure” and was ready to put on a show against the New Zealander. Barboza delivered on that claim, putting on a trademark performance against Hooker. Barboza battered Hooker’s body and legs with kicks until “The Hangman” couldn’t take anymore and crumbled in the middle of the Octagon.

The Brazilian spoke to reporters after his win and he said he was delighted to get his first win since March 2017 and crediting his move back to Florida from New Jersey with helping him turn things around (via MMAJunkie.com):

“I’m very happy. I worked so hard for this fight. A lot of things happened in my life the last couple months, and I kept doing the right thing for my life. I’m very happy.”