Former UFC and PRIDE champion Mauricio Rua says he will walk away from the sport following his UFC bout with Ihor Potieria on Jan. 21, the Brazilian veteran announced Monday in an interview with Combate.
Rua, who has only fight left in his contract with the UFC, looks to end to his 20-year MMA career on a win after suffering defeats to Paul Craig and Ovince Saint Preux in his most recent octagon appearances. “Shogun” is 5-3-1 since 2015.
” “I believe the greater pressure is on him, he must win,” Rua stated of Potieria. He said, “Officially, I am focused on my fight and on winning. But he is building his UFC career, he just got into, and I will be ending [my career]..”
“It’s definitely my last fight. It’s not my last fight. My responsibility is to do my best. That’s all I believe.”
Rua stated that he would not be competing in any other form of martial art when he retires, unlike other veteran fighters who chose to switch from MMA to boxing.
The 41-year-old talent enters the UFC cage for the final time with an overall record of 27-13-1. His wins include victories over Quinton Jackson (twice), Alistair Overeem, Ricardo Arona (twice), Kevin Randleman and Chuck Liddell. He also beat Lyto Machida (three times), Corey Anderson (three times), and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (3 times).
“The feeling is that I’m happy with this fight, it will be my farewell bout, and I’m happy it’s in my country, at home,” Rua said. “I’m happy. “I’m thankful to UFC for being one the UFC pioneers. I’m there for 15 years – there’s no one else for that long in the UFC. Thank you for everything.
“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. I am a happy man, and I thank God for all I have accomplished during my career. That’s why I stop at the perfect time .”
UFC 283 takes place at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The pay-per-view event will be headlined by Glover Teixeira vs. Jamahal Hill for the vacant light heavyweight crown, plus Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno 4 for the undisputed flyweight championship.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/12/23506122/mauricio-rua-ufc-283-ihor-potieria-definitely-my-last-fight-retirement?rand=96749
