Edson Barboza may be in the final act of his career, but there is always room for one more on his legendary highlight reel.
Barboza (23-11) needed barely half a round to victimize Billy Quarantillo in their UFC on ESPN 44 co-headlining featherweight affair. The Brazilian, who turned 37 in January, came out looking as sharp and serious as ever, meeting Quarantillo’s pursuit with lateral movement, punch counters and some of his trademark leg kicks. On several occasions in the brief fight, Quarantillo looked to close the distance with an overhand right before changing levels. Halfway through the round, Barboza sniffed out one such attempt, ate the punch and met the level change with an intercepting right knee.
Quarantillo was separated from his senses instantly, collapsing in a heap at the base of the fence. No follow-up was necessary, as referee Keith Peterson swooped in to stave off further punishment.
The sensational knockout elevated Barboza’s Octagon record to 17-11 and evened up his tally at 3-3 since dropping from lightweight to featherweight a few years ago. Quarantillo fell to 5-3 in the promotion, having alternated wins and losses after a 3-0 start.
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