Mauricio Rua, widely known as “Shogun,” is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
With a career spanning over two decades, Rua has become one of the most respected and accomplished fighters in MMA history.
His journey from a young martial arts enthusiast to a UFC Light Heavyweight Champion is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the sport.
Mauricio Rua’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mauricio Milani Rua |
| Nickname | Shogun |
| Born | November 25, 1981 |
| Age | 43 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2002 |
| Net Worth | $6.5 million |
| Spouse | Renata Ribeiro |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @shogunrua |
Mauricio Rua was born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil. He comes from a family with a strong athletic background, with his mother being a former track athlete.
Rua’s passion for martial arts began at a young age, setting the foundation for his illustrious career in MMA.
Early Career
Mauricio Rua’s journey in martial arts began at teder age of 6 when he started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
By age 7, he had already added Muay Thai to his repertoire. This early exposure to diverse fighting styles laid the groundwork for his future success in MMA.
Rua’s natural talent and dedication to training quickly became evident, and he began competing in BJJ championships at the blue and purple belt levels, achieving considerable success.
Professional Career
Mauricio Rua made his professional MMA debut in 2002 at age 21. His explosive style and fierce striking quickly caught the attention of fight fans and promoters alike.
His crowning achievement in PRIDE came in 2005 when he won the Middleweight Grand Prix, defeating a murderers’ row of opponents including Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, and Ricardo Arona.
This tournament victory established Rua as one of the best light heavyweights in the world. In 2007, Rua transitioned to the UFC, where he would face both triumphs and challenges.
The pinnacle of his UFC career came in 2010 when he defeated Lyoto Machida to claim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Wife
Mauricio Rua has been married to Renata Ribeiro since September 12, 2007. Their relationship has been a constant source of support throughout Rua’s fighting career.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on January 15, 2010.
Mauricio Rua’s Net Worth Details
Mauricio Rua’s net worth is estimated to be $6.5 million as of 2025. This impressive figure is a result of his long and successful career in MMA, which includes fight purses, bonuses, and various endorsement deals.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC on FOX 5 | Alexander Gustafsson | $175,000 |
| UFC 134 | Forrest Griffin | $165,000 |
| UFC 128 | Jon Jones | $275,000 |
| UFC 113 | Lyoto Machida | $190,000 |
| UFC 104 | Lyoto Machida | $150,000 |
Endorsements
- Venum (fight gear and apparel)
- Reebok (during UFC’s partnership)
- Bad Boy (clothing and fight wear)
- Pretorian (fight gear)
- Integralmédica (supplements)
Career Stats
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyoto Machida | Win | UFC 113 | May 8, 2010 | KO (punches) |
| Forrest Griffin | Win | UFC 134 | Aug 27, 2011 | KO (punches) |
| Dan Henderson | Loss | UFC 139 | Nov 19, 2011 | Decision (unanimous) |
| Brandon Vera | Win | UFC on Fox 4 | Aug 4, 2012 | TKO (punches) |
| Alexander Gustafsson | Loss | UFC on Fox 5 | Dec 8, 2012 | Decision (unanimous) |
| Chael Sonnen | Win | UFC Fight Night 26 | Aug 17, 2013 | Submission (guillotine choke) |
| James Te Huna | Win | UFC Fight Night 33 | Dec 7, 2013 | KO (punch) |
| Dan Henderson | Loss | UFC Fight Night 38 | Mar 23, 2014 | TKO (punches) |
| Ovince Saint Preux | Loss | UFC Fight Night 56 | Nov 8, 2014 | KO (punches) |
| Antonio Rogerio Nogueira | Win | UFC 190 | Aug 1, 2015 | Decision (unanimous) |
FAQs
1. Who is Mauricio Rua?
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is a Brazilian former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the UFC. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix Champion.
2. When and where was Mauricio Rua born?
Mauricio Rua was born on November 25, 1981, in Curitiba, Brazil.
3. What are Mauricio Rua’s notable achievements in MMA?
Rua’s notable achievements include:
- UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
- 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix Champion
- UFC Hall of Fame inductee (Modern Wing, 2024)
- Multiple Fight of the Night and Knockout of the Night bonus awards
4. How many UFC fights did Mauricio Rua win by knockout?
According to UFC statistics, Mauricio Rua won 21 fights by knockout throughout his career.
5. What was Mauricio Rua’s fighting style?
Rua’s fighting style incorporated Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is known for his aggressive striking and ground-and-pound techniques.
6. When did Mauricio Rua retire from professional MMA?
Mauricio Rua announced his retirement on January 21, 2023, after his loss to Ihor Potieria at UFC 283.
7. What was Mauricio Rua’s most famous rivalry in the UFC?
One of Rua’s most famous rivalries was with Lyoto Machida. They fought twice for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, with Rua winning the rematch and claiming the title at UFC 113 in May 2010.
8. How many times did Mauricio Rua defend the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship?
Mauricio Rua did not successfully defend the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. He lost the title in his first defense against Jon Jones at UFC 128 in March 2011.
9. What is Mauricio Rua’s nickname?
Mauricio Rua’s nickname is “Shogun.”
10. What is Mauricio Rua’s professional MMA record?
Mauricio Rua’s professional MMA record is 27 wins, 14 losses, and 1 draw.
