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UFC veteran Edson Barboza isn’t thinking about retirement as he prepares to face Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330.

For the longest time now, Edson Barboza has been a regular member of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s roster. He has been up against some of the best of his generation, and while he may not always get his hand raised, he certainly knows how to put on a show.

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Barboza will try to do so again against Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330 this weekend. However, given that he is now 40 years of age, there’s a real chance that this could be the last time we see him make the walk to the cage.

Ahead of fight night, though, Barboza isn’t allowing himself to be consumed by the thought of retirement.

Barboza contemplates the end of his career

“Honestly, I’m not even thinking about that,” Barboza told MMA Fighting when asked about who could be his next opponent. “I’m just enjoying the moment, because I know the finish line is getting closer, you know? It’s like when you’re running a marathon and your body is in the final stretch and the finish line is right there. That’s why I’m not thinking too far ahead. I’m just thinking about this next fight. This next fight could be the finish line, man. I don’t know. Honestly, I’m focused on the moment, on this next fight.

“If I feel good, if I want to continue, which is the most important thing, and if I’m physically in good shape to keep going, I’ll keep going. But if not, I’m a very happy person, and I’m very comfortable with everything I’ve accomplished in my career. I think if I wanted to retire today, I could definitely put my head on the pillow and sleep peacefully because I know I gave my best and did everything I was supposed to do. I’m not thinking about anything beyond this fight. I’m just focused on the next one. Who knows? It could be the last one, it might not be. We’ll see what happens.”

Quotes via MMA Fighting

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