Skip to content

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira announces retirement from mixed martial arts

Action Images

The legendary career of mixed martial arts fighter Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is officially over.

The 39-year-old master of Brazilian jiu-jitsu announced his retirement from active competition during a press conference in his native homeland Tuesday.

"Minotauro" won't be leaving the sport entirely, though, as he'll be sticking around to work for the UFC as the athlete relations ambassador in Brazil.

"It is a great pleasure and an honor to continue my ties with the UFC," Nogueira said, according to MMAJunkie.com. "I always had the passion to follow the development of young athletes and I want to keep doing that. I want to help spread MMA around the world and give my contribution to the emergence and development of young talent."

Nogueira made his debut for the company at UFC 73 against Heath Herring, emerging victorious in his first UFC fight via unanimous decision. This came on the heels of an epic run with PRIDE, having won the promotion's inaugural Heavyweight Championship from Herring at Pride 17. His stint with PRIDE also included victories over Mark Coleman, Bob Sapp, Dan Henderson, and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.

"Big Nog is a legend in the sport of MMA," UFC president Dana White said, according to Sherdog.com. "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."

Despite five of his last seven fights ending in defeat, Nogueira's career record remains strong at an impressive 34-10-1. His final skirmish in the Octagon was Aug. 1, losing by unanimous decision to Stefan Struve, with White urging the veteran to call it a career following the fight.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox