Former UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira has officially announced his retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts.
Nogueria made the announcement today during a UFC press conference in Brazil. Nogueria came up short in his last bout against Stefan Struve who won by unanimous decision at UFC190
During the UFC190 post fight press conference Dana White said he felt like Nogueria was done and that he was going to talk to him about retirement. White also went on to say he would offer Nogueria a position as brand ambassador for fighters and fans.
Nogueria accepted the position and will begin work within the company immediately. Throughout the past 16 years, Nogueira has been a stalwart in the heavyweight division, well known as one of the most ferocious submission fighters to ever compete in the sport. He became PRIDE heavyweight champion in 2001 after defeating Heath Herring and would win his next five fights in a row before being dethroned by Fedor Emelianenko.
On behalf of MMA fans everywhere that you Big Nog for all the moments and memories
-Vanessa (@GreatLove91)
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