I’ll be 100 percent honest. Seeing a headline read “Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua vs. Ihor Potieria set for UFC 283 in Brazil” shocked me.
First, a legend like Rua taking on someone I have never heard of before is a bit concerning.
But, honestly, I thought he had decided to retire. Like for real.
Let us get the notes out of the way to begin. According to trusted source Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, the former UFC light heavyweight champion will compete in 2023 against Potieria.
The bout will be part of the UFC’s return to Brazil and Rio de Janeiro on January 21.
I guess I missed the interview where Rua stated he planned to fight twice more before retiring prior to meeting Ovince Saint Preux. Or maybe I just wanted to miss it.
Here is a fighter who has taken punishment – and dished it out – like not many out there. He was part of the incredible run of mixed martial arts to the height it is today, providing fight fans around the world with classics.
But isn’t it time for him to move on? I have never been one to push fighters into retirement, but the prospect of seeing Rua get knocked out again just does not excite me or even make me want to tune in.
Thankfully, Rua is not going up against an elite fighter – at these Potieria is not at this point in his career. He picked up 15 consecutive wins before falling in his Octagon debut earlier this year to Nicolae Negumereanu.
So, maybe we get to see the Brazilian legend ride off into the sunset with his hands raised one final time in his home country. Here is to hoping that is the case and moves into the next chapter of his career.
