In the last fight of his career, Minotouro seeks to settle accounts with Shogun this Saturday

M. Shogun (left) and R. Minotouro (right) conclude trilogy in UFC Fight Island 3. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

A great icon of Brazilian MMA is close to making his last appearance in the sport. At 44 years old, Rogério Minotouro will step into the octagon for the last time this Saturday (25), at UFC Fight Island 3, in Abu Dhabi, in the confrontation that will put an end to a historic rivalry in mixed martial arts. The athlete will face Mauritius Shogun in the co-main fight of the night and spoke about expectations for the trilogy between light heavyweights (up to 93kg.).

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“The fight with Maurício is a good fight, we married well in the first fight (2005). The second (2015) was the best fight of the night. In that second fight, I had the feeling that I didn't lose. In the third round, he gave me a takedown, where I pulled him towards the guillotine. I was taking it, he may have won the second round”, said the Brazilian in an interview with 'ESPN'.

Reaching his 33rd appearance as a professional in MMA, Rogério makes no secret of the fact that his commitment against Shogun should seal his retirement from the sport. Minotouro then spoke respectfully about his compatriot, chosen as the last opponent in his victorious career.

“I respect the guy (Maurício) a lot. He comes at him, he likes knockouts, so do I, I go at him all the time. It's an interesting fight. I’m planning to have my last fight, because I’ve already fought too much,” he concluded.

Throughout his career in mixed martial arts, Rogério collected important victories in both the UFC and the now-defunct PRIDE. On his resume, the fighter has triumphs over names like Rashad evans, Tito Ortiz, alistair overeem e Dan Henderson.

Although he has a record full of great achievements, Minotouro never won a duel against Maurício. In the first meeting, at PRIDE, in 2005, the Bahian ended up being defeated by a unanimous decision by the judges. 10 years later, the fighters met again in the UFC. On that occasion, the Curitiba native once again came out on top on points.

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