Shogun reflects on Lil Nog fight, and what’s next
“He’s a very top guy and a very top fighter. I respect him, and I’m very happy for this moment.”
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was honored to be Antonio Rogerio “Lil Nog” Nogueira’s final bout. It was a trilogy fight, and with the Split Decision win at Saturday nights’ UFC on ESPN 14, Rua has swept all three.
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At the post-fight press conference, Rua, now 38 and having fought 39 times across 18 years, said he’ll fight maybe two more times, reflected on what it meant, and what’s ahead.
I accepted this fight because I knew it would be important for my legacy if I was going to win, said Rua. I’m very happy for finishing the career of Nogueira here for his final fight. He’s a very top guy and a very top fighter. I respect him, and I’m very happy for this moment.
I [want to] go back to Brazil now and see my family. I [want to] relax and talk to my manager, Eduardo [Alonso], for my next fight. … I don’t think about any fight right now.
One option is a rematch vs. Paul Craig, who earned a Split Draw vs. Shogun at UFC on ESPN+ 22 on November 16, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
This is a good option. I want this fight, too, said Rua. I want this fight, too. I think [we can do] this fight one more time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yeknqnrctw
UG, who do you want to see Shogun fight next?
h/t Mike Bohn and John Morgan for MMAjunkie
