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Former UFC Interim Heavyweight champion, and one of the legends in the heavyweight division has announced his retirement. ‘Big Nog’, who last fought Stefan Struve at UFC 190 and lost the fight via unanimous decision, has decided to call it a day inside the Octagon, and instead has been named as athlete relations ambassador for UFC Brazil.
UFC had earlier released the following statement regarding Nogueira’s position with the company.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, known by fans worldwide as “Minotauro,” officially announced his retirement from UFC® competition today. While his fighting days may have come to a close, his work in the MMA community is only beginning as he will serve as an Athlete Relations Ambassador for UFC® Brazil.
As part of his new contract, Nogueira will provide services for a number of initiatives in the Brazil region. He will serve as a liaison for the organization between athletes, sponsors, media and government bodies, as well as act as a mentor in the development of young athletes. Additionally, Nogueira will assist in identifying rising talent throughout Brazil as UFC® continues to seek the best athletes for its roster.
"'Big Nog' is a legend in the sport of MMA," UFC President Dana White said. "He is respected by fighters and fans worldwide. It has been an honor to watch him compete and I'm happy to see him retire. He will be a huge asset to the UFC, the athletes and the sport as an ambassador. I look forward to working with him in this new chapter of his life."
Nogueira added: “It’s a great pleasure and an honor for me to further my ties with the UFC. I’ve always had a passion to follow the development of new athletes and that’s what I intend to continue doing. I want to help further the spread of MMA around the world and give my contribution to the emergence and development of young talent. I appreciate all the confidence that Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta have in me, and I believe we will reach big results together. I know that I can, and will, contribute much to the growth of our sport outside of the Octagon.”
Nogueira, who was on a 3 fight losing streak, was told by Dana that he wouldn’t be fighting anymore in the UFC after his last fight a month ago. Big Nog then decided to retire, bringing down the curtains on an amazing career, as he finishes with an impressive 34 – 10 – 1 record. The 39 year old had previously expressed his desire to retire after fulfilling the number of fights on his existing contract, and focus on his gym’s business. Nogueira achieved legendary status in the world of mixed martial arts after battling some of the biggest names to ever grace the sport.
The Nogueira brothers own a chain of gyms in 33 locations, and the franchises have reached over 10,000 students in the past 3 years.
