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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Edson Barboza of Brazil speaks with Jalin Turner following their lightweight fight during the UFC 323 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Jeff Bottari via Getty Images
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.
"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."
The win saw Turner return from a short-lived hiatus after he called it a career following his second straight finish loss at UFC 313 in March. Meanwhile, Barboza — a former longtime lightweight contender — was also looking to rebound from back-to-back losses at featherweight.
Physically, Turner had a noticeable size and reach advantage, as he typically does against most lightweights. The monstrous "Tarantula" welcomed Barboza's early threats, getting past the Brazilian's trademark counter quick counter hooks. Ultimately, Turner was on a mission and applied too much pressure with heavy, aggressive punches and kicks to the body and head. Every shot had ill intent, including a nasty elbow that sliced the top of Barboza's head, creating a gruesome visual en route to a near-flawless victory for Turner.
Turner, 30, proved that he still has plenty left in the tank and just needed to regroup rather than retire. Before his break, he was ranked in the division's Top 15. A win gets him closer to getting back on track toward title contention, and we'll find out at the start of next week if it was enough to re-enter the mix.
In short, Turner emphatically reasserted himself as a dangerous, finish-hungry lightweight, while Barboza — though still fought valiantly — showed signs that age and the rigors of a long career have caught up.
Check out full UFC 323 results, highlights and round-by-round play-by-play here.
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