Edson Barboza stated that Kevin Lee was the physically strongest opponent he ever faced, recalling that Lee simply lifted him off the ground and slammed him — pure power that stood out above all others. He described Khabib Nurmagomedov as technically superior rather than the most physically imposing, noting Khabib was always one step ahead on the mat. Barboza also reflected on his loss to Justin Gaethie, saying he failed to execute the game plan by drifting into Gaethie's right overhand at the fence.
Edson Barboza has opened up about some of the toughest opponents of his career, singling out Kevin Lee as the most physically dominant fighter he ever shared the cage with — ranking Lee's raw strength above even that of undefeated lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Barboza, now 40 years old and competing out of American Top Team, holds a professional record of 24-14. The Brazilian southpaw-turned-orthodox striker is one of the most experienced fighters in the lightweight division, landing 4.14 significant strikes per minute across his career with a 44 percent striking accuracy.
The moment that left the biggest physical impression on Barboza came against Lee, now 33, who carries a record of 18-8. Fighting out of Tristar Gym, Lee stands five-foot-nine with a 77-inch reach — a notably long frame for the weight class. Barboza recalled Lee simply picking him up off the canvas and slamming him, describing the sheer power as something that set the Motown Phenom apart from every other opponent. Lee's career numbers back up that physical reputation, with 3.18 takedowns per 15 minutes.
On Khabib, Barboza drew a clear distinction. The undefeated Russian, who retired with a perfect 29-0 record, was not described as the most powerful man Barboza faced but rather the most technically suffocating. Standing five-foot-ten with a reach of 70 inches, Khabib averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and consistently controlled opponents on the mat. Barboza recalled that Khabib was always one step ahead in the grappling exchanges — a difference of skill and anticipation rather than brute force.
Barboza also addressed his stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje, acknowledging that the defeat came down to a tactical breakdown on his own part. He said he strayed from the game plan and walked into Gaethje's right overhand while retreating toward the fence, turning the fight in Gaethje's favor at a critical moment.
Why it matters
- Barboza's comments offer a rare firsthand comparison of two of the toughest fighters in lightweight history
- Lee's physical tools — long reach and strong wrestling — are highlighted as uniquely difficult for a striker-first opponent
- The Gaethje reflection underscores how fence positioning can be decisive against pressure fighters
