Mauricio “Shogun” Rua retires at UFC 283 after losing against Ihor Potieria in the prelims of UFC 283. Shogun let the fans know that it would be his final fight in an MMA career that extended over 21 years. Hence, fans really hoped that he would end his career with a win. But the Ukrainian fighter had other plans and he executed them perfectly.
At the age of 41, going up against a young stallion like Ihor was going to be a tough task for Shogun Rua. However, fans did expect a competitive bout between the two. Rua was certainly up for the battle as he landed 17 significant strikes and 21 strikes in total. Although the fight ended within the 5-minute mark of the 1st round, both fighters did their best to entertain the fans.
Ihor Potieria defeats Maurício Rua via first-round TKO.#UFC283 pic.twitter.com/shtLsoAVZZ
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) January 22, 2023
But Ihor Potieria was just one step ahead of the veteran fighter and landed 27 strikes in total. Although Mauricio Rua tried his best to stay in the fight, Ihor’s power was ultimately too much for Shogun’s weathered chin to withstand. Potieria picked up the 20th win of his pro-MMA career at the 4:05 minute mark of the first round at UFC 283.
Shogun was understandably overcome by emotions after the bout. With his home crowd cheering him on, Rua thanked his fans, family, and UFC President Dana White. He was congratulated by Daniel Cormier too, who was conducting the post-fight interview.
Officially calling it quits. @ShogunRua formally announces his retirement after #UFC283
THANK YOU SHOGUN 🙌 pic.twitter.com/JMTW6qF1PF
— UFC (@ufc) January 22, 2023
The 41-year-old added, “First of all, sorry you guys. I wanted to end my career with a win. But you know, I’m gonna stop it right here, I’m gonna end my career here. I’ve been in the game for 21 years, in the UFC for 16. I have to thank my fans, everyone, Dana, Lorenzo, everyone in the UFC that made it happen throughout all these years.”
UFC community slams Ihor Potieria for his celebration after beating Shogun Rua at UFC 283
Mauricio Shogun Rua is one of the fighters who stay away from controversies and focuses on his fighting. Hence, the Brazilian is a beloved fighter by many of the fans and the fighters in the sport.
Ihor Potieria by finish -125 ✅
On a roll 💰 pic.twitter.com/HkkQKsqwoq
— Rocketplays Support (@rpsupportpage) January 22, 2023
Hence, Ihor’s celebratory dance after knocking out Shogun Rua offended many. UFC welterweight fighter Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson was one of the figures who expressed his displeasure about it.
Here are some Twitter reactions on the matter
Ok I hate this guy now
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 22, 2023
And just like that 😢💔 https://t.co/SXkM35fell
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) January 22, 2023
SHOGUN FOREVER. #UFC283
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) January 22, 2023
Potiera 🖕🏽
— Al Iaquinta🗽 (@ALIAQUINTA) January 22, 2023
Definitely not a fan of the disrespectful “celebration” by ihor…could have just been heat of the moment but still Rua is a legend that deserves only respect! #UFC283
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 22, 2023
Mauricio Shogun Rua started his MMA career in 2002 and managed to win the PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix and the UFC light heavyweight title in his career. His retirement brings an end to the era of perhaps the golden generation of MMA fighters. At the time of his retirement, his MMA record stands at 27-14-1.
Discussion about this post