LOOK: Elder Brother Pens an Emotional Note to Sum Up 21 Years Old MMA Career of Legendary Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua

For its very first PPV event of 2023, the UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this weekend. In a card stacked with many of Brazil’s own, fans will get to see two of their best competing for world titles. While Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill will compete for the light heavyweight title in the main event, Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno will face off in a historic quadrilogy for the flyweight title in the co-main. However, UFC 283 will also witness the last curtain fall on another legendary Brazilian’s fighting career. MMA stalwart and former UFC and PRIDE champion Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua will grace the octagon for the last time this weekend.

The 41-year-old will enter the cage for one last dance at the Jeunesse Arena in Brazil this Saturday. A former champion in two of the most reputable fight promotions ever, Rua will be leaving behind a coveted legacy that many will look up to. Rua will face Ihor Potieria in the prelims this weekend. While his farewell match may not have the glamor of a main card spot, there are several fighters who have paid their respects to the retiring legend.

However, that did not stop fighters from paying their respects to Rua. Several retired and active Brazilian MMA greats paid their respects to one of their country’s idols.

Fighters pay respect to Mauricio Shogun Rua before his retirement match

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva said, “Shogun is a great champion, a true samurai.” Former UFC and WEC champion Jose Aldo commented, “Shogun leaves a gigantic legacy in the sport.” He also recounted watching Rua capture gold in PRIDE and the UFC.

Shogun’s brother and former PRIDE fighter, Murilo Rua could not be prouder of his brother’s accomplishments. He said, “My brother’s legacy is that he became champion in the world’s two biggest organizations, UFC and PRIDE. No one has ever done that. Congratulations to him, and I wish him success in the future.”

Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo mentioned how the Rua brothers inspired him. He said, “I’ve always followed Shogun my entire life since I was a kid, back in the PRIDE days. Shogun and his brother [Murilo Rua] always put on a show. If I’m a fighter, it’s because they motivated me a lot.”

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UFC welterweight Vicente Luque said, “He’s always been an inspiration for me because I also come from Muay Thai…” He also called Rua “a finisher” and “a well-rounded action fighter”

Rua’s retirement has left the fans wondering about his next move. Some of them predicted that his retirement won’t last long with temptations like celebrity boxing going on.

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What are your thoughts on Rua retiring? And what are some of your favorite Shogun Rua memories? Let us know in the comments below.