Ricardo "Big Dog" Almeida retires from Mixed Martial Arts
Posted on March 31, 2011, 05:23 AM by Anton GurevichUltimate Fighting Championship veteran and one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practicioners in the game, Ricardo "Big Dog" Almeida, announced his retirement from the sport of Mixed Martial Arts at the age of 34.
Almeida started his professional career back in the year 2000, with a victory over Akira Shoji at Pride 12. Four years later, Almeida won the Pancrase Middleweight Title, dethroning multi-time King of Pancrase Nate "The Great" Marquardt.
Ricardo Almeida's UFC run includes 8 fights, five of which the "Big Dog" won. Almeida's only losses are against Patrick Cote (Split Decision), Mike Pyle (Unanimous Decision) and Matt Hughes (Submission). Brazilian's official Mixed Martial Arts record stands at 13-5.
Here's Almeida's Official Statement:
Pro Fighting Chapter Comes to a Close, but the Book is Still Being written.
Back in 2008 I decided to return to MMA. Since then I have had the privilege of fighting eight times in the UFC. As a competitor I can think of no bigger thrill than to stand in the center of the octagon with my hands raised.
During these almost four years it has been a personal struggle to find balance between my fighting career, caring for my son who was diagnosed with autism soon after I signed a six-fight deal with the UFC, teaching at my growing Jiu Jitsu Academy and the family duties we all have.
MMA is a great sport but also physically and mentally unforgiving. It is a dangerous task to step in the octagon, specially if your focus is not at 100%.
After much deliberation since my fight at UFC 128 I have decided to step away from the sport as a fighter.
I will continue to fully support the UFC as a coach and of course as a big fan. I would like to thank Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White for their leadership and vision which brought the sport to new heights. I would also like to thank Joe Silva for giving me the opportunity to compete among the best martial artists in the world.
Renzo Gracie, Mark Henry, Frankie Edgar and all my teammates who I could not have gone through this challenge without.
Finally I would like to thank my wife, children and family as well as my students. You will have my integral dedication from here on.
Lastly the fans who make MMA the greatest sport there is.
Comments
i would have liked to see a couple more fights but we all have to go what we have to do much respect big dog
Thank you Ricardo, I didn't expect this at all.
Arriany looks like she just came
if that what it looks like when u make a girl do that, i think it safe to say shes faking!
So long Ricardo, and thanks for all the great fights.
Him losing the Matt Hughes fight was the closest to the title he has come in a very long time, its good that he's stepped away from competing in the Octagon. Man is skilled just these new breed of fighters are proving to be too well rounded. Its good to see a fighter smart enough to know when enough is enough and walk away with some dignity and pride. I just hated seeing legends like Chuck and Cro Cop keep getting knocked out in the viscious fashion they have been...Couture on the other hand is an "enigma" and should be considered in the p4p ranking thats for damn sure!
Man if he would of had that hughes fight things may of been completly different. Guess thats what he is saying about it being unforgiving perhaps.
BigDog i always liked you ever since nate give you that cheap shot and renzo kicked his face!!
its not the level of competition, its the commitment that being a fighter requires. he cant be leaving his wife at home with a son who has a disability for over a month at a time for training camps. I have huge respect for him. family has to come before being a fighter, and his son and wife need him to be around
Unexpected Ricardo "Big Dog" Almeida, but aat the end of the day wife and family comes first...
wow shock, good guy,wish him well, he could have done good for another few years too
man i hate to see big dog leave mma. i thought he was still one of the top fighters in the UFC. only he knows what is best for him
I personally think he shouldn't retire. I thought the loss to Matt Hughes would've made him realize things about himself in the UFC. A couple more high profile fights and he would've been ready. Too bad. The MMA community thanks you for your entertainment and hope you will at least coach fighters and pass on the knowledge.
He never really got to his full potential in the UFC. oh well.
I wish him luck in his future endeavors. The man has a difficult choice to make and I believe he choose correctly. He is 100% right about MMA your either concentrating on MMA 100% of the time your you'll just get beat in the ring or the octagon.
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