Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Officially Retires From MMA

MMA can officially say goodbye to one of the biggest legends in the sport’s history. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira announced that he is in fact calling it quits and retiring from MMA.

‘Big Nog’ will not be fading off into the sunset to never be seen again though, as he has accepted a job with the UFC as the Brazil Ambassador.

In a statement issued by the UFC, the MMA great had this to say about his new position with the promotion:

“It is a great pleasure and an honor to continue my ties with the UFC. 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. I appreciate the confidence that (UFC President) Dana White and (owners) Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta are banking on me, and I believe that with hard work we will achieve great results together. I know I can, and will, contribute to the growth of our sport outside the octagon.”

Also in the statement, UFC president Dana White had nothing but great things to say about the legendary heavyweight fighter.

“‘Big Nog’ is a legend in MMA. 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.”

Big Nog is a true great, going 31–4–1 (1) in MMA and earning the UFC interim heavyweight title in 2008. After that he lost to Frank Mir and was unable to put together back-to-back wins after that.

Big Nog, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, thank you for everything you’ve given the sport.
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