ONE’s Light-Heavyweight Champion Roger Gracie Retires From MMA

Three months ago, grappling phenom Roger Gracie decided to retire from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Now the fighter has decided to retire from mixed martial arts as well. Gracie most recently faced off against Michal Pasternak at ONE Championship 42. With a first round submission victory, Gracie earned the ONE Championship light heavyweight title. However, it would appear that the fighter is now retiring with the newly earned belt. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Gracie explained his reasoning for bringing an end to his 8-2 career. “I decided to stop because I didn’t think MMA was motivating me enough to keep dedicating myself 100 percent to an athlete’s life. I enjoyed it, it was a huge pleasure to do these 10 MMA fights, but I have no other ambitions. I just turned 36. I never wanted to compete longer than 38, and there’s not much else left to conquer in MMA, something that would change my career. “I just ended my career at a high level. I would have more to lose than to gain if I kept fighting MMA. If I had the same passion in MMA like I had in jiu-jitsu I would continue, but the only motivation that would keep me in MMA was money, and I’m against doing something focusing only on money. I don’t think I’d even give my 100 percent in this case, so I decided to retire and focus on other things in my life."