Brazilian knockout specialist Edson Barboza lands BRUTAL knee to Billy Quarantillo’s jaw as he returns to winning ways in the UFC with spectacular first-round finish
Edson Barboza picked up a spectacular knockout victory over Billy Quarantillo on Saturday night to return to winning ways in the UFC.
Heading into Saturday’s fight, Barboza had lost his previous two games and was in dire need of a win to revive his career.
It didn’t take long for him to make a statement, as he landed a devastating knee to his opponent’s jaw just over halfway through the first round.
Barboza had backed up to the side of the cage and waited for Quarantillo to push too much and timed his fight-ending shot to perfection. Quarantillo fell face-first onto the canvas, prompting the referee to quickly jump in to avoid taking further damage.
It was a signature knee from Barboza, who has become known for his incredible knockout power in the Octagon.
Edson Barboza landed a huge knee on Billy Quarantillo during their Saturday night fight
The referee had to intervene quickly because Quarantillo was badly injured after getting a knee to the jaw
Barboza then dropped to his knees in celebration as he ended his two-fight losing streak
Saturday’s finish was the 14th knockout of his MMA career and improves his overall record to 23-11.
Barboza has been mingling at the highest level in the UFC for a number of years, but often falls short when pitted against the very best in the sport.
The 37-year-old has a record of defeats against former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone.
He hadn’t fought in over a year before facing Quarantillo on Saturday night, and another loss would have put his career at a crossroads.
However, he delivered a stunning performance to remind him that he still has plenty to offer and his power hasn’t waned yet.