Shogun analyzes rematch at UFC 274 and says when he intends to announce his retirement from MMA

Among the greatest representatives in the history of Brazilian MMA, Mauritius Shogun will be back in the octagon this Saturday (7), at UFC 274. Days away from yet another sporting commitment, the 40-year-old athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS and analyzed the rematch he will have against Ovince St.Preux. The legend also opened up about his eventual retirement.

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Pride icon and former UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg), Shogun returns to share the octagon with St.Preux approximately eight years after their first meeting. In 2014, the Brazilian ended up being knocked out by his rival 34 seconds into the fight.

Rematch opportunity

Willing to rewrite history with Ovince, Shogun revealed how the negotiations to confirm the rematch went. Although there are no 'unresolved issues', the Curitiba native says he is satisfied with the new meeting.

“It’s a rematch eight years later. It's a fight that the UFC suggested to us, and we think it's cool. I wanted it too, with all due respect to St.Preux. I know it's going to be a difficult fight. (…) It’s the dream of trying to reverse this result,” he stated.

Retirement

Close to turning 41 and with almost 20 years of professional MMA career, Shogun makes no secret of the fact that he is close to announcing his retirement. Without dodging, the Brazilian nailed what was needed to make the decision to hang up his gloves.

“My goal is to have two more (fights). That (against Ovince), and one more. I plan to stop this year. If not this year, it could be next year. I want to do two more and stop. That’s my goal,” he signed off.

Athlete's history

At 40 years old, Shogun is one of those largely responsible for the spread of MMA in the early 2000s. Professional in MMA since 2002, the Curitiba native has 40 commitments in the sport, totaling 27 wins, 12 losses and one draw.

In his career in the sport, the Brazilian has won the middleweight Grand Prix title at PRIDE in 2005, in addition to the Ultimate light heavyweight belt, won in 2010.

In a career spanning almost 20 years, Maurício has collected victories against references in the sport, such as Rogério Minotouro, alistair overeem, Ricardo arona, Kevin Randleman, Mark Coleman, Lyoto Machida e Forrest griffin.