Mauricio Rua
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Contents |
The Early Years
Beginning with the study of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at age six, and continuing with Muay Thai training starting at age seven, it was clear that Mauricio Rua (born November 25, 1981) had a bright future in the martial arts. The school he trains at along with his older brother Murilo "Ninja" Rua is none other than Brazil's elite Chute Boxe Academy, into which his younger brother, Marco "Shaolin" Rua would also later enroll.
Finding success at BJJ championships, "Shogun" won title at both Blue and Purple Belt levels. Meanwhile Rua also competed in Muay Thai events, building an undefeated record of 10-0. Naturally Mauricio was drawn to Mixed Martial Arts as the next step int he evolution of his fighting prowess.
Rookie Period
On November 8, 2002, Mauricio Rua made his professional MMA debut, knocking out his opponent with a head kick at Meca World Vale Tudo 7. Still under the Meca banner, "Shogun" went on to win his next two matches, knocking out both Angelo Antonio, and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos.
In his next outing Mauricio fought in a single-night two fight tournament called IFC Global Domination. He won his first contest, defeating Eric Wanderlei by TKO. Unfortunately "Shogun" wasn't able to get past veteran competitor Renato "Babalu" Sobral, losing by way of Guillotine Choke.
PRIDE
Now a highly-regarded prospect, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua was invited to compete for the PRIDE Fighting Championships promotion in Japan. After winning his first three matches for PRIDE, at various smaller "Bushido" events, all by knockout, Rua fought at the larger Pride 29 Fists of Fire event, beating Hiromitsu Kanehara, also by KO. That same night Quinton "rampage" Jackson, defeated Mauricio's older brother Maurilo.
Vowing to avenge his brother's loss, "Shogun" issued a challenge to Jackson. As a heavy underdog, Mauricio Rua entered the Pride Middleweight (205 lb.) Grand Prix. His first opponent would be Quinton Jackson. From the first bell "Shogun" dominated his foe, eventually breaking Jackson's ribs with knee strikes, and winning by TKO in the very first round.
Returning for the next phase of the tournament Mauricio would face Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, winning by unanimous decision. In the final episode of the Grand Prix, "Shogun" would battle two stars in one evening. First he beat Alistair Overeem, with another trademark first round TKO. The trend of early knockouts continued through the finale, with Rua defeating Ricardo Arona, also in the first round. And so, on August 28, 2005 "Shogun" was awarded the GP trophy.
Due to a freak accident while landing Rua dislocated his right elbow in his next match, thereby losing a TKO to Mark Coleman. The incident marks the only time "Shogun" has lost by knockout. After a brief time spent on rehab, "Shogun" would return to the ring three more times in 2006, winning all three fights. First a KO over Cyrille Diabate, followed by a Kneebar submission over Coleman's Hammer House teammate, Kevin Randleman.
Rua's last fight of 2006 saw his secure a decision win over Kazuhiro Nakamura. Mauricio Rua only fought once more under the PRIDE name, facing Alistair Overeem in a rematch. And again, he won by first round KO.
Present Day
After Zuffa LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship's parent company purchased PRIDE, "Shogun" was contracted to fight in the UFC. Widely considered the top 205 lb. fighter in the world, Mauricio was booked for his first Octagon appearance, set to face off with Ultimate Fighter winner, Forrest Griffin.
Despite being the odds-on favorite Rua was destined to lose his first UFC match. And did so wen he was submitted for only the second time in his career, losing by Rear Naked Choke. It was later revealed that Mauricio had a tear in his knee, and fought regardless of the injury. Rua, however, has never used the knee problem as an excuse.
"Shogun" has yet to return to competition.
Mixed martial arts record
16-3
| 19 matches | 16 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 13 | 1 |
| By submission | 1 | 2 |
| By decision | 2 | 0 |
| Draws | 0 | |
Gallery
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