Bethe Correia rules out returning to MMA, but leaves the door open for boxing with or without gloves

B. Correia hung up his MMA gloves in 2021 (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

Former challenger for the UFC bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg), Bethe Correia hung up her MMA gloves in 2021, but remains willing to compete in other martial arts disciplines.

See too

Jiu-jitsu legend Marcus Buchecha negotiates a new fight at ONE Championship; check out

On the rise in heavyweight, Curtis Blaydes gives his opinion on the future of champion Francis Ngannou

Jake Paul 'chors' for UFC to release Nate Diaz and suggests interest in facing veteran

During her participation in “Trocação Franca”, a Portuguese-language podcast on the North American website “MMA Fighting”, the Brazilian stated that, even though the penny has not completely sunk in, she feels happy with the decision to end her career in MMA .

“I don’t think the penny has sunk in yet. It's still crazy. I still think that at some point I will receive a call to schedule a fight (laughs). I was feeling good physically, but I think it was more mental. There comes a time when you can't take it anymore. I think 90% of athletes who stop fighting MMA do so because of psychological pressure. We always think it can be done, that our bodies are conditioned to fight, but it's psychological torture, it's no longer fun. When it gets to that point, MMA becomes dangerous. You could suffer irreversible damage,” Bethe said.

Even with doors closed to a return to MMA, Bethe Correia guarantees that he can still compete in martial arts again. “Pitbull” revealed that he has received offers to box, but is in no rush to make a decision.

“I want to compete, but not in MMA. I've received a lot of boxing offers, but let's take it easy. I just announced my retirement from MMA. Who knows, maybe I’ll compete again somewhere else, but in MMA I stopped forever”, said the Brazilian.

In addition to traditional boxing, Bethe Correia welcomes the possibility of venturing into boxing without gloves.

“I'm not afraid of boxing without gloves because with UFC gloves I always chose the smaller ones. I don't think it changes much. I see some girls leaving with injured hands because they have nothing to protect them, but I would also like to try traditional boxing. I would like this adventure. Who knows, maybe I'll have fun with both. The best proposal wins”, he concluded.