UFC 323 results: Jalin Turner blasts through Edson Barboza in sensational return from retirement
Jalin Turner is back and seemingly better than ever. The veteran lightweight contender made a thunderous return from retirement Saturday at UFC 323, knocking out Edson Barboza in the first round inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Afterward, Turner dropped to his knees inside the cage and appeared to break down into tears.
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“I was really emotional because I almost quit, I almost gave up on my dreams,” Turner said. “I stopped chasing and I stopped seeking, and it was so hard to go through that. And I’m back right now and it feels so good.”
Turner, 30, shocked the MMA world in March by announcing his retirement following a turbulent stretch in which he lost four out of five bouts, including two controversial split decisions that could’ve propelled him to the edge of title contention. But Turner rediscovered his fondness for the sport during his time away — thanks, in part, to an assist from UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry.
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“I found the love for it again,” Turner told Uncrowned in November. “I found the passion for it again.”
Barboza, 39, a former longtime lightweight contender, was also looking to rebound from back-to-back losses at featherweight, however Turner’s noticeable size and reach advantage proved a factor early.
The monstrous “Tarantula” welcomed Barboza’s early threats, getting past the Brazilian’s trademark quick counter hooks, while applying pressure of his own with heavy, aggressive punches and kicks to the body and head. Every shot from Turner appeared to have ill intent, including a nasty elbow that sliced the top of Barboza’s head open, creating a gruesome visual en route to a near-flawless victory for Turner.
Turner proved he still has plenty left in the tank and just needed to regroup rather than retire. Before his break, he was ranked in the lightweight top 15. Saturday’s win emphatically reasserted Turner as a dangerous, finish-hungry lightweight, getting him closer to being back on track toward title contention.
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Barboza, though he fought valiantly, showed signs that age and the rigors of a long career may have finally caught up to him.
Check out complete UFC 323 results, highlights and round-by-round play-by-play here.