Pretty shocking news for me. The guy just beat Marquardt, and it seems his career was just about to skyrocket.
-
Pretty shocking news for me. The guy just beat Marquardt, and it seems his career was just about to skyrocket. -
I am sure the man had his reasons... He was in the top 5 middleweights in my book. I might see him around town if he comes back to weehawken.Comment
-
I caught wind of this a week or so back. Actually more like 6 months ago. He said he wanted to focus more on his students, academy, and family. I didnt think it was going to be this soon but I 100% support his decision. Here was his statement:
After 14 dedicated years, integrally to competition, since the first championship in Barra da Tijuca as a white belt to the glorious mats of the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships in the Arab Emirates, and under the eyes of the entire world in the rings of PRIDE, Pancrase, and the UFC, I announce my official falling away from the competitive arena. This includes renouncing my belt as the middleweight King of Pancrase. The definitive reason for my falling away is the personal improvement to the height of the masters who procededed me all these years: Master Renzo Gracie, Master Carlson Gracie Jr., and Grandmaster Helio Gracie. Today, begins a new phase in my journey as a representative in the gentle art, in which I renounce the honors of the fighters championship belt in search of the inherent wisdom of the Grandmasters, and in expectatrion that one day I can have the great honor of using a red belt in the sport of jiu-jitsu. I will dedicate myself ingrelly to the definement of technical philosophy of the martial art that has so greatly influenced my lifestyle. Thank you to all which have had the opportunity to participate in my diverse experiences.
Ricardo AlmeidaComment
-
Wow, what an awesome statement. Mad respect for Ricardo, who I think could have competed for the 185 belt in the UFC if he wanted too.Comment
-
Truly mindblowing.Comment
Comment