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Ricardo Lamas Opens up on Incredible Story That Led to Retirement Decision

Published 09/09/2020, 7:00 AM EDT

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Ricardo Lamas was extremely determined to fight on August 29 and opted to remain on the card even after Ryan Hall pulled out. Now, the fighter spilled the beans on why that date was so crucial for him to fight. He also opened up on an important personal effect that carried great significance to him and how he viewed an extraordinary sequence of events as a sign that the time to depart was nigh. 

Lamas revealed the personal nature behind the rosary he always carried to the weigh-ins and walkouts. This reminded him of his late brother as he purchased it at the time he went to collect his personal effects. Lamas got five rosaries, one for himself, his three brothers, and their father. 

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He said, “At his wake, I had the priest bless all the rosaries, and I gave one to each of my brothers and we buried one with my brother. So that was kind of my way of bringing him with me to every fight because he was really proud.”

Based on the timeline, ‘The Bully’ began carrying the rosary for his fights right from WEC 44. He went on a three-fight win streak before losing again. His run earned him a UFC contract where he stayed for the decade. He challenged for the featherweight title in his prime and fought near the top of the rankings. 

Lamas had the rosary with him for 20 consecutive fights before the mini panic ahead of Fight Night: Smith vs Rakic. He could not find the rosary!

Ricardo Lamas made a promise to his brother

The fighter departed for Las Vegas with a heavy heart. On the day after his brother’s eleventh death anniversary, he said in his head, “‘I know I don’t need a rosary to know that you’re here with me, and please just watch over me just one more time. I just want one more win, and I’ll move on from the sport.’”

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In a movie-like scenario, Lamas found his rosary the next morning and saw it as a sign. His brother had answered him. Hence, he knew he must walk away as he had declared in the wee hours of the morning. Lamas said, “I’ve got to stick by my word, and I’m going to hang up my gloves after that performance.”

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Read: “Last Time You’re Seeing Me in the Cage” – Ricardo Lamas Proposes Retirement After Spectacular Victory at UFC Fight Night

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Lamas overcame stiff opposition from UFC debutant Bill Algeo. He turned in a 10-8 in the last round to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that he won the fight. In retrospect, one can view that round as Lamas knowing that it was the final five minutes of his MMA career. Hence, he left it all out there in the cage. 

What do you make of this extraordinary series of events?

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Written by:

Reubyn Coutinho

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Reubyn Coutinho is a Combat Sports editor at EssentiallySports with over 2 years of journalistic experience. Having earned his bachelor's degree in Mass Media with a specialization in Journalism from Xavier's College, Reubyn has interned with the sports desks at DNA and Times Now before joining EssentiallySports to further his passion for sports content. Reubyn has interviewed former UFC champions like 'Mighty Mouse' Demetrious Johnson and Miesha Tate.
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