U23 World Champion Rinya Nakamura of Japan announced his retirement from wrestling on Thursday. He has decided to pursue a career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The grappler wrestler made the announcement on his Instagram and said that he regrets not being able to reach the Olympics and will now like make a career in MMA.
“I thank everyone who supported me so far. But now I have decided to retire from wrestling. I grew up watching mixed martial arts (MMA) and will make a career in it,” he wrote.
“Throughout this career, I have learned a lot in addition to the competition. I was full of learning opportunities, including relationships, nutrition, and training, and I was happy. Despite all this support, I regret not being able to reach the Olympic stage,” he added.
The 25-year-old is excited to chase his childhood dream of becoming an MMA fighter.
“Since childhood MMA has given me excitement, nervousness, vitality, excitement, courage, dream, the importance of effort, and indomitable spirit. I am glad that I can now follow my childhood dream,” he said.
Nakamura is 2019 Japan Championship silver medallist and 2018 bronze medallist. He is also the bronze medallist in 2011 Cadet World Championship.
