Nicknamed “Shogun,” Mauricio Rua is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has an estimated net worth of $6 million. He currently fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former Light Heavyweight Champion. He is also the 2005 Pride Middleweight Grand Prix Champion. As of January 2013, he is ranked as the #7 light heavyweight in the world by Sherdog. Born Mauricio Milani Rua on November 25, 1981 in Curitiba, Brazil, he trained mixed martial arts at Universidad da Iuta with his brothers. He began training in Muay Thai at the age of 15 and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at 17. In addition to Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he also currently trains in wrestling and western boxing.

Rua worked as a model in Brazil before becoming a fighter. He did books, pictures, and even fashion shows for various brands. He began his professional career at vale tudo events in Brazil. He then entered the International Fighting Championship’s (IFC) “Global Domination” tournament. After his IFC victory, he made his way to Japan to enter the Pride Fighting Championship. He signed with the UFC after its Pride buyout. He made his debut at UFC 76. He was awarded the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on May 8, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada after a rematch at UFC 113. Due to his relationship with Wanderlei Silva and with his own brother, he has stated that they are the only two people he would never fight.