Evangelista Santos retires from MMA
On Monday, Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos told MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz that he is done with MMA.
The announcement comes six months after Santos' most recent fight, a KO loss to Michael Page at Bellator 158 that resulted in Santos suffering a gruesome sinus fracture. Santos would successfully undergo surgery for the injury and vow to return to action later that year, but it appears he has changed his mind.
"I'm feeling really well, never felt anything (after the surgery), but I don't think I will fight again," Santos said. "I don't want to risk getting an aftereffect for the rest of my life and don't be able to pass on my knowledge, and give work to my family."
Over an 18-year career, Santos compiled a professional record of 21-18 (though he claims his actual record includes several undocumented wins) competing for well-known organizations across the globe, including PRIDE, Strikeforce, and Bellator. He has stepped into the cage with the likes of Gegard Mousasi, Nick Diaz, and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
"I want to be remembered as someone who dedicated his life to the sport he loves and always gave his best, and never picked opponents," Santos said.
The Brazilian veteran is also known for being the ex-husband of UFC fighter Cris Cyborg, who adopted her nickname from Santos.