It remains to be seen what the future holds for Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. But, UFC President Dana White has made it clear he hopes that future doesn’t included the legend competing in anymore fights.

White says Rua “looked like a shell of his former self”

Rua was booked to fight Paul Craig at UFC 255, on account of the fact they had battled to a draw last November. Heading into the bout, Rua reported that he had incurred an injury not long into their first fight, and that the rematch would unfold differently.

Craig, however, put Rua on the defensive in the opening round via his takedowns and grappling. In round two, Rua was taken down again and Craig brought about the stoppage with strikes from above.

While talking to the media after the event, White had this to say, when asked if he hopes the fight was Rua’s last (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I hope it is, I hope that tonight was his last night,” White said. “I would like to see him retire.”

And while discussing Rua’s performance specifically, and the former champ’s contract situation, the UFC President said this.

“Shogun looked old and looked like a shell of his former self tonight. Yeah, I’d like to see him hang it up hopefully.”

“I think he has two fights left on his deal,” White said about Rua’s UFC contract. “But yeah, I’d like to see him retire.”

Was that Rua’s final fight?

There seems to be quite a few folks who are calling for Rua to retire. But, don’t be shocked if the Brazilian star returns for one more bout.

White didn’t come out and say the UFC won’t offer Rua another fight and the light heavyweight wasn’t talking about retirement much heading into the bout.

Further, Rua had gone 3-1-1 in his last five bouts leading into UFC 255. So, his team, and his fans, might point to that fact while campaigning for another fight.

Of course, none of that changes the fact that the timing is right for Rua to walk away. He’s turning 39 in a few days, and anyone who has followed Rua over the years, knows the former PRIDE Grand Prix winner has been in numerous wars.

Even his biggest boosters would also likely concede that Rua is far removed from the force he once was.

At this point of his career, Rua has nothing to prove and the loss to Craig punted any chance of him taking on a notable contender next.

But, will Rua try to end his career on a winning note? And ask for one more bout in an effort to achieve that?

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