Dana White: ‘Shogun’ Rua ‘looked like a shell of his former self,’ wants him to retire after UFC 255

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Former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua has definitely seen better days.

In a rematch from their first fight that ended in a split draw, “Shogun” suffered a lopsided loss to Paul Craig at UFC 255 after he tapped out from strikes in the second round. While that was only Rua’s second loss in his past eight fights, UFC president Dana White would rather see the legendary Brazilian fade off into the sunset following a lackluster performance on Saturday night.

“I hope it is, I hope that tonight was his last night,” White said at the UFC 255 post-fight press conference. “I would like to see him retire.”

While the first fight between “Shogun” and Paul was a three-round war, the rematch was anything but close.

Craig largely dominated the contest before ultimately putting “Shogun” away with a barrage of unanswered punches. As impressive as that was, White can’t help but notice just how much Rua looked out of sorts prior to the finish.

“[Paul Craig] looked good and not to take anything away from him at all, he came and did what he had to do tonight but just being honest, ‘Shogun’ didn’t look like ‘Shogun’ to me tonight,” White said.

“‘Shogun’ looked old and looked like a shell of his former self tonight. Yeah, I’d like to see him hang it up hopefully.”

Despite the way his loss played out at UFC 255, “Shogun” had been enjoying a bit of career resurgence while picking up several impressive wins in recent years over the likes of Corey Anderson and Tyson Pedro. Unfortunately, Rua’s losses haven’t been pretty with his last four defeats all coming by way of knockout or TKO.

Ultimately the decision will remain with Rua whether or not he chooses to compete again but White would much rather see his career come to a close now versus later.

“I think he has two fights left on his deal,” White said about Rua’s UFC contract. “But yeah, I’d like to see him retire.”

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I think Shogun has a lot left in him. He could fight well into his mid 40s
 
it is shocking that Shogun is only 38.
guy probably has solid 5-7 years of Bellator career left in him.
 
When Dana says that it just means that the fighter doesn't pull in the money they are being paid anymore.

Shogun should get those 2 last cheques and ride off into the sunset.
And that he doesn’t want them to fight elsewhere. Trash them on the way out in hopes of reducing their perceived value. I don’t think anyone listens to Dana anymore aside from sherdog but I could be wrong. Who actually watches these post fight pressers outside hard cores?
 
All of us can 'want' someone to retire, but the decision needs to be the fighter's alone. Sure, the commissions could stop licensing them, but they give guys a really long leash. The fighter himself/herself has to know when they're done and can't or don't want to do it anymore.
 
Shogun is making too much money to not fight out his contract. Dana doesnt like paying that.
 
He is a shell, but if he still wants to fight just Release Him... Im sure he can TRT himself up in another promotion and maybe go out on a win streak...
 

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