‘Big Nog’ Is Officially Retired From MMA

Rodrigo Minotauro, Big Nog, has officially retired from mixed martial arts.

He initially announced his plan to retire back in December of 2014 in an interview with Combate. "I want to fight again at the end of April or May," he said. "I think I'll close my career next year. I want two more fights."

Minotauro didn't quite get his wish, and only fought once in 2015. After his decision loss to Stefan Stuve at UFC 190 this August, UFC president Dana White called for him to stop, and mentioned that Minotauro agreed.

The Brazilian heavyweight has been in the scene since before the UFC existed, and had no plans on leaving it completely. He has already worked as on-camera analyst for Combate, but his first major gig in the peripherals of the Octagon will be as Athelete Relations Ambassador for the UFC in Brazil.

According to the UFC, this position will "provide services for a number of initiatives in the Brazil region," and "serve as a liaison for the organization between athletes, sponsors, media and government bodies, as well as act as a mentor in the development of young athletes."

In its statement the UFC also confirmed the retirement news, and included statements from Dana White and the future Hall-of-Famer:

"'Big Nog' is a legend in the sport of MMA," UFC President Dana White said. "He is respected by fighters and fans worldwide. It has been an honor to watch him compete and I'm happy to see him retire. He will be a huge asset to the UFC, the athletes and the sport as an ambassador. I look forward to working with him in this new chapter of his life."

Nogueira added: "It's a great pleasure and an honor for me to further my ties with the UFC. I've always had a passion to follow the development of new athletes and that's what I intend to continue doing. I want to help further the spread of MMA around the world and give my contribution to the emergence and development of young talent. I appreciate all the confidence that Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta have in me, and I believe we will reach big results together. I know that I can, and will, contribute much to the growth of our sport outside of the Octagon."