“Shogun” Rua’s Family Wants Him To Retire
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will probably go down as one of the best light heavyweights of all time. He is a true veteran of the sport, having competed in 31 fights over more than a decade. “Shogun” is a former Pride Grand Prix champion and a former UFC light heavyweight champion. Despite still being ranked inside of the Top 10, the Brazilian is undoubtedly past his prime and not the fighter he once was.
Rua has lost five of his last eight fights over the past three years; some in devastating fashion. He was destroyed by reigning champ Jon Jones back in 2011. He also lost to Dan Henderson in a brawl of the ages, got outpointed by Swedish star Alexander Gustafsson and choked out by Chael Sonnen.
“Shogun” picked up a knockout win over James Te Huna at UFC Fight Night 32, which gave some fans hope that there was something left in the tank of the fighting legend; however, that was again put to rest when he suffered a brutal knockout loss to Dan Henderson in his most recent outing in the main event of UFC Fight Night 38.
Despite his recent struggles, Rua is not ready to hang up his gloves. He is set to return to the octagon to face power striker Jimi Manuwa on November 8, 2014 live on FOX Sports 1. However, “Shogun’s” family has other thoughts about his fighting career. When speaking to TV show Agora E Tarde, the Brazilian elaborated on the subject:
“My mother asks me ‘you really have to fight? And I say that’s my job, mom. I do this for 13 years. Every month, my wife and my mother meet and try to make me stop (fighting), but I tell them that’s what I love to do.”
Whether you agree with his decision to keep fighting or not, there is no doubt “Shogun” has a true warrior’s spirit. Some people fight for money, or fame, Rua fights because it’s what he loves to do.
It’s in his blood and apart of him.
That is something that definitely deserves respect. So what do you think? Should “Shogun” continue to see if he can make another run, or should he call it a career for good? What a decorated career it would be.
