Former Pride FC and UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira plans to retire by the end of 2015, allowing him to compete on the two remaining fights of his current UFC contract.

The 38-year-old warrior is already considered a legend due to his in-ring clashes with the biggest names in mixed martial arts that brought him injuries throughout his career.

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"I know I won't fight forever," Nogueira stated in a recent interview with AG. Fight. "I'm focused on my gym's business now. It's a beautiful work, we have 9,000 students, 32 gyms...I plan to end my career by the end of the next year, I believe. One more year. It's until the point my body can handle."

After winning 30 out of 36 fights, Nogueira made his debut in the UFC for the first time back in 2007. He sent a statement by becoming the interim heavyweight champion. However, the Brazilian went on a 5-5 record inside the Octagon.

The veteran heavyweight feels that he is not receiving the credit that he deserves. Nogueira, who's in the MMA business for more than a decade, stated that the fans in Brazil are very critical and wants to rush his retirement.

He also went on to compare his career to Randy Couture stating that "Natural" had two wins for every loss but is treated like a national hero.

Minotauro lost his last two combats in a shocking fashion. The man is now mending a knee injury, an injury that he already incurred before his knockout loss to Roy Nelson last April in Abu Dhabi.

Nogueira will be remembered through his fights against the toughest opponents such as Randy Couture, Frank Mir, and Fedor Emelianenko.

Now the question is, who will be the worthy opponents of Nogueira's remaining two fights? Fight fans will have to wait until next year.

Tagsantonio rodrigo nogueira, UFC, MMA, retirement