Former EliteXC middleweight champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua (20-12-1) took to Twitter (@ninja_rua) Saturday night to announce his retirement following a third round knockout loss to Tom Watson.
Rua faced Watson in the main event of BAMMA 6 in London, England . It was mostly a one-sided affair with “Ninja” receiving most of the damage in until “Kong” was able to put an end to the fight in the third with a head kick.
Congrats to my opponent Tom Watson for the win @bammauk tonight, he was better and deserved it… I would like to announce officially my retirement from PRO MMA fights tonight. It was an amazing run, and its a very tough moment but there comes a time for all in life, and it’s time to move on. I am proud of all I did in MMA and all experiences I had. I will continue to work with MMA,doing seminars, eaching classes, training fighters,and doing my share to help our sport that I love so much. Its time now to help others and enjoy my family, my wife, my kids and move one.
I want to thank so much all the fans for all the support, always helping me out and giving me all incentive. Brazil, Japan, USA, England, Canada, Australia. All places I fought, thanks so much!!
I want to also thank to all the trainers that helped me from day 1 as a white belt until now. All training partners that pushed me so much. All sponsors that believed and still believe in myself. All my friends in the press. Many thanks to @BadBoyMMA and BVA Bank and mostly, I want to thank my true friends,my family, my mom and dad, my wife that I love so much, my kids who are my joy and my brothers. I want to thank my manager for being my friend, and I want to sincerely thank my brother @ShogunRua for all support and making me so proud. Life goes on, memories will stay forever, and MMA will still be my life forever. THank you so much you all! Murilo “Ninja” Rua.
Props to BloodyElbow.com for putting together “Ninja’s” retirement message.