Mauricio Rua Biography: Wife, Age, Daughter, Net Worth, Height, Parents, UFC Champion, Retirement

Mauricio Milani Rua, known as “Shogun,” is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist celebrated for his aggressive Muay Thai style and his tenure as the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in 2010.

He rose to prominence in PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he won the 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix, defeating fighters like Quinton Jackson and Alistair Overeem. Rua’s UFC career from 2007 to 2022 included iconic bouts against Chuck Liddell and Lyoto Machida, earning him a 2019 UFC Hall of Fame induction for his 2011 fight with Dan Henderson.

Profile

• Full Name: Mauricio Milani Rua
• Stage Name: Shogun
• Born: 25 November, 1981
• Age: 43 years old
• Birthplace: Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Occupation: Retired Mixed Martial Artist, Coach
• Height: 1.85 m
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Rua
• Siblings: Murilo Rua, Marcos Rua
• Spouse: Renata Rua (m. 2007)
• Children: Maria Eduarda Rua
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $6 million

Early Life and Education

Mauricio Milani Rua was born on November 25, 1981, in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, to Mr. and Mrs. Rua.

He grew up alongside his brothers, Murilo and Marcos, both of whom also pursued combat sports. Inspired by his older brother Murilo, a professional MMA fighter, Mauricio began training in Muay Thai at age 15 and later joined the renowned Chute Boxe Academy.

Details about his formal education, including schools attended or degrees earned, are not publicly available, as he prioritized martial arts training early on. His ethnicity is Brazilian, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Mauricio Rua began his career in mixed martial arts in 2002, debuting with a knockout victory over Rafael Ferreira at Meca World Vale Tudo 7 in Brazil.

Training at Chute Boxe Academy under Rudimar Fedrigo, he honed his Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. In 2003, Rua joined PRIDE Fighting Championships, quickly gaining attention with a knockout of Akira Shoji.

His breakout came in 2005, when he won the PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix, defeating Quinton Jackson, Antônio Rogério Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, and Ricardo Arona in a single night, establishing himself as one of the world’s top light heavyweights.

Rua’s career transitioned to the UFC in 2007 after PRIDE’s dissolution, though his debut was a loss to Forrest Griffin. He rebounded with knockouts of Mark Coleman and Chuck Liddell, earning a title shot against Lyoto Machida at UFC 104 in 2009.

After a controversial decision loss, Rua won the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in their 2010 rematch at UFC 113 with a first-round knockout. He lost the title to Jon Jones in 2011 but delivered a classic Fight of the Year against Dan Henderson at UFC 139.

Despite injuries and losses to Alexander Gustafsson and Chael Sonnen, Rua remained a fan favorite for his heart and aggression.

Rua retired in 2022 after a knockout loss to Ihor Potieria at UFC 283, concluding with a 27-14-1 record. Post-retirement, he has focused on coaching at his Universidade da Luta gym in Curitiba, where he trains fighters like UFC featherweight Felipe dos Santos.

His 2019 UFC Hall of Fame induction for the Henderson fight underscores his impact. Rua’s legacy as a PRIDE and UFC icon endures, with fans on X praising his thrilling style.

He continues to contribute to MMA through coaching and occasional media appearances, sharing insights from his storied career.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @shogunrua
• Facebook Handle: Mauricio Shogun Rua
• Twitter Handle: @ShogunRua

Personal Life

Mauricio Rua married Renata Rua, a physiotherapist, in 2007, and they have one daughter, Maria Eduarda Rua.

The family resides in Curitiba, Brazil, where Rua balances coaching with family life. Known for his humility, he maintains a low-key lifestyle, often spending time with his daughter and supporting his brothers’ martial arts endeavors.

Net Worth

Mauricio Milani Rua has an estimated net worth of around $6 million USD. His wealth primarily stems from fight purses, bonuses, and sponsorships earned during his PRIDE and UFC careers, with significant earnings from his championship reign and high-profile bouts.

Additional income comes from coaching at his Universidade da Luta gym and endorsements with brands like Bad Boy.