Who Is Maurício Rua? Age, Biography and Wiki
Maurício Rua, born on November 25, 1981, is a renowned Brazilian mixed martial artist who made a significant impact in the world of MMA. As of 2025, he is 43 years old and continues to be recognized for his incredible fighting skills and contributions to the sport. Rua is perhaps best known for his tenure in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he earned accolades and a dedicated fan base.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1981 |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | Curitiba, Brazil |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Brazil |
Popularity
Maurício Rua's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Maurício Rua stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (1.83 m) and has maintained a competitive fighting weight of around 205 pounds (93 kg), which is typical for light heavyweight fighters. His well-proportioned physique is a testament to years of training and dedication to martial arts. His body measurements reflect his athletic build, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.
Rua's first title defense was scheduled on 19 March 2011 against Rashad Evans, who had won by unanimous decision over Quinton Jackson at UFC 114 on 29 May 2010. However, following Jon Jones's victory over Ryan Bader at UFC 126, it was announced that Evans had blown his knee out in training and would not be able to face Rua.
Jones was told during his post-fight interview that the UFC wanted him to replace Evans against Rua for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Jones accepted and the fight was programmed for UFC 128. Quinton Jackson was also offered the title fight but declined, as six weeks' notice did not provide enough time to make weight.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a private individual, Maurício Rua tends to keep his personal life out of the limelight. Currently, there is no publicly available information regarding his dating status or relationships in 2025. However, he has previously been linked to his longtime girlfriend, which hints at a preference for maintaining close relationships while keeping them largely private.
Rua's father is a businessman and his mother is a former track athlete and, as of 2005, a marathon runner. He has an older brother, Murilo (nicknamed Ninja, born 1980), and a younger brother, Marcos (nicknamed Shaolin). Both are mixed martial artists training at Universidade da luta, though Marcos does not compete at a professional level.
The Rua brothers occasionally take 10-kilometre runs with their mother. Rua began training in Muay Thai at the age of 15 and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 17. Rua followed his older brother in training at the Chute Boxe Academy, and was successful in BJJ championships at the blue and purple belt levels.
In addition to Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, by 2007 he was also training wrestling and boxing.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Maurício Rua's estimated net worth is approximately $8 million, a substantial figure attributed to his extensive career in mixed martial arts, endorsements, and various business ventures. His earnings have significantly increased throughout the years, especially following his notable fights in prominent promotions. Besides his fight purses, Rua has also secured endorsements that contribute significantly to his income.
In the months following his surgery Rua completely reruptured damaged ligaments during training and was forced to undergo a second knee surgery. This forced him to drop out of UFC 85. He was granted a rematch with Mark Coleman at UFC 93 in Dublin. Shogun defeated Coleman by TKO with 24 seconds left in the third round.
The fight earned co-Fight of the Night honors and a $40,000 bonus. In spite of the award, Rua drew criticism from fans for his lackluster performance against Coleman, who was 44 years old at the time and had not competed in over two years.
Career, Business and Investments
Maurício Rua's career trajectory boasts remarkable achievements, including a championship title in the UFC and a reputation as one of the best light heavyweights in MMA history. Since retiring from professional fighting, Rua has ventured into coaching and mentorship, sharing his expertise with upcoming fighters. He has also engaged in business investments that reflect his passion for sports and fitness, enhancing his portfolio and ensuring a steady income post-retirement.
Rua started his professional career at vale tudo events in Brazil, achieving three stoppages due to strikes, including a win over future Chute Boxe Academy teammate Evangelista Santos. In a fast-paced bout, Santos matched Rua on the feet until Rua took Santos to the ground and forced a stoppage due to strikes from mount.
Shogun then entered the International Fighting Championships's (IFC) Global Domination Tournament. Rua won his first bout against Erik Wanderlei due to punches, and in the second bout got the first submission loss of his career against Renato Sobral with a guillotine in the third round.
Social Network
In 2025, Maurício Rua remains active on various social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, where he shares snippets of his life—both in and out of the ring. He engages with fans regularly, offering insights into his post-fight career, fitness tips, and training routines. His social media presence continues to grow, reinforcing his status as a beloved figure in the MMA community.
After the loss to Jones, Rua's rematch with Forrest Griffin took place on 27 August 2011 at UFC 134. In a match that looked like the complete opposite of their original bout, Shogun demonstrated good head movement and footwork, as well as good accuracy and striking power, to win the bout via KO early in the first round. Rua had now avenged three of his six losses.
Education
While specific details on Maurício Rua's formal education are limited, his relentless pursuit of martial arts education and training is well-documented. Rua has trained under several renowned martial arts coaches throughout his career, equipping him with diverse fighting techniques that have made him a multi-faceted competitor in the cage. His educational journey highlights a commitment to continuous learning and improvement within the realm of mixed martial arts.
