Mauricio Rua has a humble request for how fans should view him.
The legendary “Shogun” retired on Saturday in his home country of Brazil after a loss to Ihor Potieria at UFC 283, a fight that concluded a 20-year journey that began in 2002. It was a longtime coming for Rua, 41, who has competed sporadically for the past few years.
Despite crafting numerous indelible memories throughout his fighting career — including tearing through PRIDE in the Japanese promotion’s hay day and a UFC light heavyweight title win — Rua isn’t focused on celebrating his past competitive glories; rather, he hopes people focus on his character.
” The legacy that I would like to leave is one of being a role model and a great person inside and outside the Octagon. Rua stated. “For us fighters I think this is very important and this is really what I think fighters should put across and what I tried to put across through this whole time. As a professional fighter in the Octagon, I wanted to be an excellent person.
“So, I would like to be remembered for being a good person both inside and outside of the Octagon in every aspect of my life .”
Beloved in the combat sports community and particularly in Brazil, Rua had supporters rushing to condemn Potieria after the Ukrainian fighter seemingly disrespected Rua with a post-win celebration dance that included him making the motion of firing a gun. Potieria later explained that it was actually a sign of respect stemming from his nickname, “Duelist.”
Rua was not there to witness it live but downplayed any disrespect Potieria might have shown.
“No, I didn’t see anything,” Rua said. “On the contrary, he always showed respect for me during the weigh-ins or in the hotel after the fight, so I really didn’t see anything.”
Rua’s career ended with a loss and a three fight skid. Rua thought a homecoming booked would make it a perfect time to close his career. But it was not to be. He accepts the fact that it wasn’t the right moment and that it isn’t a fairytale ending.
” I knew that I did not want to end my career in a losing position,” Rua stated. “I wanted to finish with a win, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible and even though I lost I really feel a sense of having my mission accomplished, of fulfilling my duties. Because for 21 years I gave my most, I left everything inside rings, octagons, I gave it all and sometimes it happens.
“So I feel relieved and fulfilled and a sense of accomplishment because I did my best and it was a long career and the only thing I can do is to do my best.”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/22/23566173/mauricio-shogun-rua-speaks-on-legacy-after-final-fight-wants-to-be-remembered-as-role-model?rand=96749
