Nearing Retirement, Ronys Torres Looks to Capture Gold at Shooto Brazil 119

Ronys Torres is a true MMA veteran.

At 37 years of age, the Amazonian from Manacapuru boasts an extensive record of 41-9, with a stint in the UFC and a collection of belts to his name. On Friday, he will attempt to add to his collection when he faces Pedro Paulino Vinagre for the welterweight title at Shooto Brazil 119.

“I was taken by surprise by this call, but I had left my name available for the event, since I prepared myself and didn't fight in the March edition because my opponent on that occasion didn't show up,” Torres said. I’m happy with this opportunity.”

Torres has finished 33 of his 41 career victories inside the distance — including 20 via submission. His opponent, though two years older, has only 11 fights on his record. He’s won 10 of them, including six by way of submission.

“I'm pretty sure we’ll both want to go to the ground, and I confess that I'm even rooting for him to want that. All my opponents run from the ground with me,” said Torres, a jiu-jitsu black belt. “His record is good. I like to fight with opponents like that. I always like to test myself.”

Torres was released from the UFC following back-to-back losses to Melvin Guillard and Jacob Volkmann. According to him, the promotion promised the he would get another chance — but that did not happen.

"I was unhappy with the UFC. They asked me to win four fights away (from the organization) to come back and do the two fights I had (left) on my contract,” Torres said. “I won 19 and they didn't call me. I beat some athletes that they signed to the UFC, so I still don't know what are the criteria for them to hire or fire an athlete. Now I'm already in the retirement phase. I want to be back with my family and the ones I love. I've already lost a lot of things being away from them. It's time to get back close to them.”

Regarding the future, Ronys guarantees that he will remain involved in MMA, but with an emphasis on passing on all his teachings in his hometown.

“I love representing Manacapuru, representing those warrior people,” he said. “I started fighting there when I was 16 and I really want to have my last fight there too. It's the city where I'm going to enjoy my retirement, the city where I'm going to live again. I want to open my academy there and represent the people of Manacapuru outside the (cage)…”

Shooto Brasil 119 will be broadcast live to Brazil and the rest of the world on UFC Fight Pass.