Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is one of the best fighters in the MMA industry. But now, it looks like it is finally time for him to retire and leave the octagon for good.
When Nogueira lost to Stefan Struve during the UFC 190 last Saturday, Dana White stated in the post-fight interview that it is time for “Big Nog” to retire.
During the UFC 190 post-fight conference held in Rio de Janeiro, the UFC president said, “I love Big Nog, and I think everybody loves Big Nog. He’s such a good guy. He’s respected by everybody. (But) he and I actually talked tonight. I’m done. I don’t want to see him fight anymore.”
Antonio Nogueira has been fighting in the octagon since 1999. Just like the other amazing fighters like Dan Henderson, Mirko Cro Crop, Cain Velasquez, Fabricio Werdum, Randy Couture, Frank Mir, and even Fedor Emelianenko, Nogueira had put up numerous amazing bouts in the octagon.
But despite all of the success that he was able to achieve in his career, White said “Big Nog” actually agreed that it is time for him to leave.
White says that Nogueira did not contest the idea of him retiring after this loss. The UFC president even said that he is looking into bringing Nogueira into his team. “He doesn’t disagree. He and I are going to get together and we’re going to talk. I’m probably going to give him the Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes, and Forrest Griffin deal. I’m going to bring him in and make him an employee,” he explained.
The former fighters Dana White mentioned proved to be a great addition to the company. With Nogueira on board, White thinks the former fighter could possibly do great in being a brand ambassador. The veteran fighter could also carry on with his mentoring skills in a better official capacity that what he has right now.
Aside from these great possibilities, Nogueira will be the first mixed martial arts Brazilian fighter to get an important position in one of the world’s greatest MMA company.
Nogueira is definitely one of the MMA fighters who are well respected in the industry. With this being said, White will be really getting a valuable icon if he will be able to convince Nogueira to join his company as an employee.
If Nogueira decides to officially retire, he will leave the industry with an overall record of 34-10-1 with 1 no contest.
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