Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport of the 21st century. Ever since the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was founded in 1993, it has become the largest MMA promotion company in the world within a decade, and is continuing to expand to other countries such as Europe and Asia. There are 7 different weight classes that are featured in the UFC. The Light Heavyweight division is one of the most exciting and competetive classes they have to offer, from the long time reigning champ Tito Ortiz to the legendary Iceman Chuck Liddell.
Mauricio Rua is one of the top fighters in the world. Famous for his wild and aggressive style, Shogun quickly became a fan favorite. During his days in Pride, Shogun became the 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix winner. By the time the UFC brought out Pride, Rua was ranked #1 light heavyweight in the world. He later made his debugt against one of the UFC's favotie sons, Forrest Griffin. Due to his poor condition(resulting from knee injuries), he suffered a 3rd round submission loss and later a lackluster victory over fromer heavyweight champion Mark Coleman.
After a rough start in the UFC, Shogun reinvented himself and returned in excellent shape, with improvement in his overall game. He faced the divisions former king, Chuck Liddell and struck the knockout artist, eventually TKO'ing him in the first round. Mauricio Rua earned himself a title shot due to this impressive victory.
At UFC 104, he fought against then champion, Lyoto Machida, who was described as a puzzle due to his unorthodox fighting style. Both men fought to the decision in one of the most technical fights I've seen. Although Shogun fell short in the judges scorecards, he was given an immediate rematch with Machida. Shogun would later knock out Machida, giving him his first loss and was awarded the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Belt (the 11th in the division).
Although Shogun would lose his title to Jon Jones, he would knock out Forrest Griffin, avenging his loss. He would remain one of the top 10 Light Heavyweights in the UFC. He is scheduled to fight former Pride Champion and Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson.
Ever since his loss in the title fight against Lyoto Machida, I've been a fan of "Shogun" Rua. He displayed disciplined yet aggressive striking against Machida. It was some of the most technical and beautiful Muay Thai I have seen. I attended UFC 128 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, headlined by my favorite light heavyweight. Although the outcome was disappointing, Shogun would still have a place on my list as one of the greatest fighters ever.
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