It’s time for “Minotauro” to hang up his gloves.
The former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight champion has announced that he plans to retire from professional MMA competition next year.
Noguiera who has a 34-9-1 (1 NC) record since making his debut in 1999 is coming off back-to-back losses for the first time and said he does not plan on signing a new UFC deal upon the completion of his current one.
“I know I won’t fight forever,” Nogueira told Ag. Fight. “I’m focused on my gym’s business now. It’s a beautiful work, we have 9,000 students, 32 gyms… I plan to end my career by the end of the next year, I believe. One more year. It’s until the point my body can handle.
The fighter blamed his injuries for the decision.
“So many injuries, I’m dedicating to other things now. I will decide when the time comes. I have two more fights in my contract, and then I’ll stop (fighting).”
The heavyweight said that he still doesn’t feel like he has the respect he deserves.
“They want to rush my retirement. The fans are very critical in Brazil,” he said.
