UFC 283: Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, Ariel Helwani & Fans Sickened At Disrespect for Shogun Rua by Ukrainian Fighter Who Called Out Khabib
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Mauricio Rua exited the octagon for the last time at UFC 283 in Brazil, with the pain of a loss. The 41-year-old veteran entered the cage for his final dance at UFC 283 against Ukraine’s Ihor Potieria. However, it was a short affair as the much younger light heavyweight secured a TKO win at the end of round 1.
The Brazilian legend came into the fight as the underdog, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and one draw in his last five. Meanwhile, his 26-year-old opponent came in, having won 4 out of his last 5 bouts.
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Fans react to Shogun Rua’s retirement match at UFC 283
Mauricio Rua’s swan song was a far cry from what he or the fans envisioned for him. One of the few remaining fighters who had competed in both UFC and PRIDE, Rua also held championships in both promotions. Idolized by fans and fighters alike, especially those from Brazil. Rua leaves behind a coveted legacy that few can surpass.
Incidentally, Ihor Potieria faced criticism for his celebrations post his beating of Rua. To those unaware, Potieria is a Contender Series Alumni who once called out Khabib Nurmagomedov for his silence during the Ukrainian war.
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Following Rua’s heartbreaking loss, fans and fighters took to social media to pay their respects to the veteran and call out Potieria for his actions after the win.
I hate getting old! All our legends are going away 😩We’re going to miss you Shogun! #UFC283
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 22, 2023
I get Ihor is excited, but gotta read the room. Would be a bigger babyface if he handled this differently. Alas.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 22, 2023
Definitely not a fan of the disrespectful “celebration” by ihor…could have just been heat of the moment but still Rua is a legend that deserves only respect! #UFC283
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 22, 2023
I genuinely cringed when he starting Fortnite dancing at him. You don’t beat a legend out of his prime, and emote at him 🤦♂️
— FilthyCasual (@macneil_tyrone) January 22, 2023
Agreed, there's a time and place for that kind of stuff, but the retirement fight of a legend like Shogun is not it.
— Snek (@SnekyBL) January 22, 2023
I was shocked
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 22, 2023
This sport hates fairytale endings. #UFC283
— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) January 22, 2023
And just like that 😢💔 https://t.co/SXkM35fell
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) January 22, 2023
Nah this card is pure pain
— Heavyweight Thanos (@MMAThanos) January 22, 2023
This one is gonna hurt the soul. #WarShogun #UFC283
— Shit Joe Rogan Says (@ShitJRoganSays) January 22, 2023
Very few fairy tale endings in the fight game. Exhibit #8783783783.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 22, 2023
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MMA is a cruel sport. Enjoy retirement Shogun, you've more than earned it #UFC283
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) January 22, 2023
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“Hard to Watch” – Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, Michael Bisping & Fans Shocked by ‘F***g Brutal’ Flying Knee KO at UFC 283
With that loss, one of the greatest martial artists of our time bids farewell to the sport. What are your thoughts on Shogun’s last dance? And what are your favorite Shogun memories? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by:
Edited by:
Vineet Nandwana