Ihor Potieria was the target of criticism from MMA fans all around the globe despite defeating Mauricio Rua. At UFC 283, Potieria competed against the MMA icon at the light heavyweight match. This bout was Rua’s final one in the UFC and was taking place in his home country of Brazil.
Rua’s last bout against Potieria was over in the first round via knockout. Many MMA fans saw Potieria dance to be insulting to Rua, and they did not take kindly to it.
Fans and MMA celebrities discussed about Potieria’s celebration after his victory against Rua on Twitter.
Ihor Potieria by finish -125 ✅
On a roll 💰 pic.twitter.com/HkkQKsqwoq
— Rocketplays Support (@rpsupportpage) January 22, 2023
Tanner Boser criticized the Ukrainian’s behavior by tweeting: “You don’t do that stupid dance bulls*it when you beat a legend like Shogun in his final fight you fu**ing d*ckbag.”
Al Iaquinta and Belal Muhammad equally stated their dislike of Potieria’s dance. Stephen Thompson added his opinion to the discussion as well. Even though he did not approve of Potieria’s behavior, Thompson stated that Potiera may have acted that way in the heat of the moment.
Ihor Potieria picks up his first UFC victory at #UFC283, spoiling the retirement fight of the legendary Shogun Rua. #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/YJTFk7pJWR
— MMA DIRT (@MMADIRTcom) January 22, 2023
“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! #UFC283”
The UFC aired a video montage honoring the Brazilian icon and his lengthy and successful career in the UFC after Mauricio Rua’s bout at UFC 283 came to a close.
Rua apologized to the crowd for losing the fight in his post-fight octagon interview. He also declared his retirement from the sport.
“First of all, sorry, you guys. I wanted to end my career with a win. But I’m gonna stop it right here. I’m gonna end my career here. I’ve been in the game for 21 years, in the UFC for 16. I have to thank my fans, everyone, Dana [White], Lorenzo [Fertitta], everyone in the UFC that made it happen through all these years.”