Dana White praises Barboza after UFC 330 retirement, backs Bella Mir

Dana White praised Edson Barboza after the Brazilian veteran retired following his defeat at UFC 330, while describing Bella Mir as an exceptional talent ahead of her upcoming Contender Series appearance.

Barboza was stopped by Esteban Ribovics at the Philadelphia event and announced his retirement afterwards. The Brazilian had competed across the UFC lightweight and featherweight divisions and built a reputation through a long career marked by difficult fights.

White said Barboza had earned the respect of the company and spoke warmly about the veteran’s character. He described Barboza as a fighter who had repeatedly accepted demanding contests and said his time with the UFC had been highly valued.

Mir is scheduled to headline a Contender Series event in the coming weeks. White said he was excited about her prospects and viewed her as an unusually gifted combat athlete, despite her ambitions extending beyond a UFC career.

The daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, Bella wants to compete for achievements in several disciplines. White said her targets include becoming UFC champion, winning a Zuffa Boxing title, earning an Olympic medal and claiming a UFC Brazilian jiu-jitsu championship.

White also suggested that Mir’s ability was not limited to one fighting style. He said she had excelled in wrestling and had defeated prominent jiu-jitsu competitors without formal Brazilian jiu-jitsu training, adding that her development had impressed him since she finished high school.

Mir’s upcoming Contender Series main event will offer her the next opportunity to advance her UFC prospects. White’s comments indicate that he sees potential for her to pursue opportunities across combat sports rather than remain focused on a single championship path.