Shogun Rua releases statement following brutal KO loss to Anthony Smith at UFC Hamburg

Mauricio Rua’s first UFC fight in 15 months ended in complete disaster, as short notice replacement Anthony Smith knocked him unconscious in just 89 seconds at Sunday’s UFC Hamburg main event. The former light heavyweight champion was on a three-fight winning streak and seemingly close to a title shot, but Smith put an end to those hopes in emphatic fashion.

“Shogun” has since released a statement on his official Instagram page about the loss, and while no mention was made about his immediate future in the sport, he did take the time to congratulate “Lionheart” on his big victory.

”Unfortunately we don’t always get the result we want, and to understand that fact is part of life,” the statement read. “Congratulations to Anthony Smith. For so many times I was celebrating at this moment and I can’t take his merits from him. I dedicated myself, trained hard, and did all that was within my reach for this fight, but he was better yesterday. Life continues, thank you all for the support.”

The 36-year-old Brazilian has been knocked out in each of his last three losses, and this one was undoubtedly the most brutal.