Home

UFC

Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua Reports Horrific Injury- Could Force Him to Retire from UFC

Published 11/22/2020, 10:33 PM EST

Follow Us

via Imago

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua fought Paul Craig on the main card opener for UFC 255 and would lose the fight after tapping to strikes. Subsequently, he took to social media and made a massive announcement to fans. ‘Shogun’ revealed that he suffered a nasty-looking elbow injury off the first takedown landed against him.

‘Bearjew’ Craig was dominant throughout the bout and was able to land some impressive takedowns on the former titlist. It seems as though the blast double takedown early on in the fight caused an injury that certainly played a role in his loss. Fans were quick to wonder why ‘Shogun’ would tap to strikes; however, the injury brings a whole new dimension.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua speaks out on UFC 255 loss

The Brazilian veteran also made sure that fans were aware that he wasn’t providing any excuses for his loss. Rua gave Paul Craig his due for putting forth a statement victory in their second outing. ‘Shogun’ and Craig first met back in Sau Paulo and their bout went to a draw on the scorecard. What’s more, both fighters believed they had done enough, and they were keen to run things back.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shogun Rua (@shogunoficial)

Additionally, Mauricio Rua also left the door open towards the topic of retirement that was brought up after his loss. UFC President Dana White called for Shogun’s retirement when he spoke to the media at the post-fight press conference. The 39-year-old fighter has still looked competitive as of late and he’s only lost one of his last five fights.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Unlike other aging veterans, Rua is still genuinely competitive against fighters who are in the top 15 of the division. Chiefly, the style that Paul Craig brings forth isn’t the most compatible with what Mauricio has taken to in the past. Craig is incredibly top-heavy and dextrous, thus making it harder for ‘Shogun’ to keep up. Furthermore, depleting speed certainly hasn’t helped matters.

Fans will be interested to see the path that ‘Shogun’ takes going forward as he enters the final phase of his career. Based on Dana White’s post-fight sentiments, it seems as though Rua’s future in the UFC could be in peril.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Darryl Pinto

2,138Articles

One take at a time

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.
Show More>