'Shogun' Mauricio Rua, former UFC light heavyweight champion, will retire after last fight next month
Mauricio Rua has announced that he will be retiring from the sport after his bout with Ihor Potieria next month at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
While speaking with Combate, Rua opened up about his decision to retire from the sport and confirmed that his fight with Potieria would be his last. He mentioned that he wants to put on the best performance he can:
"It's definitely my last fight... And I don't put pressure on me anymore. My obligation is to give my best, and that's what I think about."
Mauricio Rua declares #UFC283 as MMA swan song: 'Definitely my last fight' mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/12/mauric…
'Shogun' has been in many classic bouts throughout his career, including his bout with Dan Henderson at UFC 139, which earned both Fight of the Year for 2011 and an induction into the Fight Wing category of the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2018.
The Brazilian mentioned that he feels now is the perfect time to call an end to his legendary career:
"I've been fighting for 20 years, started really early, and have been fighting for many years at the highest level - since 2005 against the best. So I'm a fulfilled man and grateful to God for everything I've accomplished in my career. Being that way, that makes me stop at the right time."
Rua will have an opportunity to snap his two-fight losing skid and conclude his Hall of Fame career on a high note when he fights Potieria. The fight taking place in Brazil could give him an added boost of energy and motivation.
Mauricio Rua is happy that the UFC continued to honor his contract
Mauricio Shogun Rua forever etched his name in history 6 years ago today
A former PRIDE Grand Prix & UFC Champion
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Mauricio Rua is happy that the UFC allowed him to fight out the remainder of his contract even though he was on a losing skid.
While speaking with Combate, 'Shogun' mentioned that he appreciated the promotion for allowing him to compete in his final fight rather than cutting him after back-to-back losses:
"I'm happy. I'm grateful to the UFC. I've been there for 15 years - there's no one else for that long in the UFC. I'm grateful for everything."
'Shogun' retires with a great legacy in the sport. His accomplishments also include becoming the 2005 Pride Middleweight Grand Prix champion and a UFC light heavyweight champion.
The 41-year-old is also tied with Jon Jones, Ovince Saint Preux, and Glover Teixeira for most light heavyweight fight-night bonuses in UFC history.