Former PRIDE star Ricardo Arona has been focusing on teaching and developing his brand in Brazil since a knockout loss to Sokoudjou at PRIDE 34, but he isn't retired from pro MMA. In an interview with Sherdog, Arona admits that he has rejected overtures from promotions in North America and Japan but that doesn't mean his career is through. In 2009, when he speculates his business will be self-sufficient, he intends to sign a contract and return to MMA. Odds are he will sign a non-exlclusive contract with DREAM or Affliction before he would join the UFC, but nothing is set in stone. The Brazilian Tiger has wins over Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva, Ninja Rua, Sakuraba, and Jeremy Horn, and went the distance with Fedor Emelianenko in RINGS in 2000. However, Arona has lost three of his last four fights including two by way of knockout.
