The UFC has a new villain and his name is Ihor Potieria.
It was always going to be tricky for Potieria, who already was public enemy number one when he took on hometown hero and retiring legend Maurício ‘Shogun’ Rua at UFC 283.
Rua’s farewell did not go as planned, with Potieria playing spoiler with a TKO victory.
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The former UFC and PRIDE champion confirmed at this week’s media day that his fight against Potieria will be his last, describing it as a “tough” decision.
It was a tough task for Potieria, walking into a hostile environment where Rua brought the Rio faithful to their feet before the fight had even began.
The 41-year-old found success early in the fight with a massive left hook that had the crowd roaring but they were soon rendered silent as Potieria landed a left and right hook, sending Shogun to the ground.
Potieria then swarmed Rua, forcing the referee to step in and call an end to the contest.
“Right hook right on the temple, right above the ear there,” Paul Felder said in commentary.
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“Potieria follows through with a nice little trip, gets Shogun down, goes around the side and just starts landing some good shots and you could see Shogun was not feeling it.
“But that doesn’t change that this man is an absolute legend but a big win for Potieria to come in here, a hostile territory and get the TKO finish.”
“A huge response from Potieria but Shogun Hua unfortunately ending his career on a sour note, as revered as anyone,” added Jon Anik.
Potieria may have made a statement in the octagon, although he came under scrutiny online for his post-fight speech and dancing celebration.
“Woah, woah, nice to meet you we are from Ukraine and I am the future of the UFC,” he said.
“Glory to Ukraine, glory to heroes. Ukraine I love you.”
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As for Shogun, the 41-year-old apologised to his home fans for not ending his career with a fairytale win.
“Sorry guys, I wanted to end my career with a win, but I’m going to stop it right here,” he said.
Journalist Ariel Helwani was critical of Potieria’s speech while fighters including Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson took aim at his lack of respect in celebrating the win.
“Definitely not a fan of the disrespectful “celebration” by ihor…could have just been heat of the moment but still Rua is a legend that deserves only respect!” Thompson wrote.
“Ok I hate this guy now,” Belal Muhammad added.
“You don’t do that stupid dance bulls*** when you beat a legend like Shogun in his final fight you f***ing d***bag,” complained Tanner Boser.
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