Mauricio Rua

MMA Light Heavyweight

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was born on 25 November 1981 in Curitiba, Brazil. UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and one of the most feared strikers in MMA history. He announced himself to the world at PRIDE, winning the 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix in devastating fashion. His Muay Thai-based striking, combined with sharp Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, made him a complete and terrifying fighter. In the UFC, he became Light Heavyweight Champion by finishing Lyoto Machida in a rematch and was involved in some of the most memorable fights the division has ever seen—against Dan Henderson, Forrest Griffin and Chuck Liddell. Shogun’s legacy is one of pure heart and elite striking. Even in defeat, he delivered unforgettable performances. After retiring from competition, he moved into coaching, passing his knowledge on to the next generation.