The Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight division. Mauricio Rua is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix champion.
Mauricio Rua is set to face Ihor Potieria at UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill on January 21, 2023, at Jeunesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Mauricio Milani Rua’s was born on November 25, 1981, in Curitiba, Brazil. His mother was a former track athlete, and his father was a businessman. Rua and his brothers are known to take 10-kilometre runs with their mother.
Mauricio Rua started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at six and Muay Thai when he was 7.
‘Shogun’ made his professional mixed martial art debut at Meca World Vale Tudo 7 against Rafael Freitas on November 8, 2002, in Curitiba, Brazil. He won the fight via knockout kick in the first round.
Rua made his PRIDE Bushido 1 debut on October 5, 2003, against Akira Shoji in Japan and won the fight via knockout punches.
Mauricio Rua won the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix championship on August 28, 2005, against Ricardo Arona in Japan.
Mauricio Rua made his octagon debut on September 22, 2007, at UFC 76 against Forest Griffin. Rua lost the fight via submission in the third round.
‘Shogun ‘ faced Lyoto Machida for the UFC light heavyweight title on October 24, 2009, at UFC 104 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Rua won the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 113 against Lyoto Machida on May 8 2010, via knockout.
On March 19, 2011, Mauricio Rua lost his UFC light heavyweight title to Jon Jones at UFC 128. Jones won the bout via technical knockout.
Mauricio Rua had his last fight with Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 274 on May 7, 2022. Rua lost the fight via decision.
‘Shogun’ faced Lyoto Machida for the second time on May 8, 2010, at UFC 113 for the UFC light heavyweight title.
Mauricio Rua won the fight via knockout punches in the first round.
At UFC 128, Mauricio Rua had his first title defense against Jone Jones on March 19, 2011.
Jon Jones won the fight via technical knockout punches.
Mauricio Rua became the UFC light heavyweight champion on May 8, 2010, at UFC113.
Mauricio Rua is set to fight Ihor Potieria for his next outing at UFC 283.
*Last updated on January 21, 2023.