After more than two decades as the leader and head coach of one of Brazil’s top MMA teams, Andre Pederneiras has officially stepped down from his role.

“Dede” coached former champions in top MMA promotions over the past 21 years, including UFC stars Jose Aldo and Renan Barao and Bellator bantamweight Eduardo Dantas, and announced his decision on social media after an interview to Combate.

According to Pederneiras, “the decision to step down as Nova Uniao leader happened after we opened Upper Arena, which has worked as a training center for Nova Uniao for two years.”

The plan, he continued, is to “turn Upper Arena in a neutral place for high-level training for athletes from other teams as well, not only Nova Uniao” and “build the best and biggest martial arts training center of the country.”

Pederneiras had previously mentioned his plans to retire as a coach and cornerman back in 2015 but continued to coach at Nova Uniao and corner his top stars, like Jose Aldo.

”Dede” still plans on coaching fighters, but will be available to train athletes who don’t represent Nova Uniao, he told Combate. He will continue to run Shooto Brazil and manager fighters.

Check his full statement below.

It was officially announced today that I’m no longer part of team Nova Uniao, and I wanted to say some words for you here.

The decision to step down as Nova Uniao leader happened after we opened Upper Arena, which has worked as a training center for Nova Uniao for two years.

My idea is to turn Upper Arena in a neutral place for high-level training for athletes from other teams as well, not only Nova Uniao. I want to build the best and biggest martial arts training center of the country, helping the evolution of the sport, and also work on a social side, passing along my knowledge of 30 years dedicated to the sport, both fighting and administrative sides, to those who want to learn.

It was 21 years of many accomplishments and achievements at Nova Uniao, now I intend to invest in other dreams. I know it might seems crazy for some, but I think that everything I’ve done since the beginning seemed crazy. So I count on your support so this new phase is a victorious one. Not only for me, but for the sport and for our country that I love so much.