Jon Jones, the reigning heavyweight champion in the UFC, recently expressed admiration for Edson Barboza ahead of Barboza’s upcoming bout against Lerone Murphy. Set to headline UFC Fight Night 241, the event promises to showcase Barboza’s renowned skills in the octagon.
Barboza, a seasoned veteran who has been competing since 2009, has made a name for himself with his dynamic fighting style and highlight-reel knockouts. Throughout his career, he has faced formidable opponents across both lightweight and featherweight divisions, including the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Anthony Pettis, and Justin Gaethje.
Jones took notice of Barboza’s striking prowess, a skill that has made him an exciting fighter to watch over the years. In a tweet posted on his X account, Jones praised Barboza’s stand-up game for MMA, referring to him as a “treat” to watch in the octagon.
Jones’s admiration for Barboza was sparked by a collection of clips shared by the UFC, featuring Barboza discussing his upcoming main event bout against Lerone Murphy. In the clips, Barboza expressed his love for being a UFC fighter and his enduring passion for the sport despite his long tenure. Despite having fought 29 times in the UFC, Barboza remains enthusiastic about every aspect of being a fighter, from the buildup to the training camp to the fight itself.
Barboza’s dedication to his craft and his continued love for the sport resonated with Jones, prompting him to shower praise on the Brazilian fighter. Barboza’s mindset, characterized by a relentless hunger for competition and a genuine enjoyment of the process, earned him respect from Jones and underscores his status as a revered figure in MMA.
