Best fights of Maurício Rua
Over 20 years as a professional, Maurício Rua has compiled a 27-14-1 (22) record, including four title fights across three weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Maurício Rua KOs Lyoto Machida in their 2nd fight
On May 8, 2010 Maurício Rua fought Lyoto Machida for the UFC light heavyweight title. It was their second meeting. Rua was 28 years old with a record of 18-4, and Machida was 31 with a record of 16-0. Rua was coming off a loss, while Machida was on an undefeated 16-fight winning streak. Rua stopped Lyoto Machida via KO in the 1st round. Crowned the new light heavyweight champion.
2. Maurício Rua KOs Ricardo Arona
On August 28, 2005 Maurício Rua fought Ricardo Arona for the vacant 2005 Pride Grand Prix middleweight title. Rua was 23 years old with a record of 11-1, and Arona was 27 with a record of 12-2. Rua was on a 7-fight winning streak and Arona was on a 4-fight winning streak. Rua stopped Ricardo Arona via KO in the 1st round. Won the vacant title.
3. Maurício Rua KOs Akihiro Gono
On February 15, 2004 Maurício Rua faced Akihiro Gono in a middleweight bout. Rua was 22 years old with a record of 5-1, and Gono was 29 with a record of 20-9-7. Rua was coming off a win and Gono was on a 5-fight winning streak. Rua stopped Akihiro Gono via TKO in the 1st round.
4. Maurício Rua KOs Quinton Jackson
On April 23, 2005 Maurício Rua faced Quinton Jackson in a middleweight bout. Rua was 23 years old with a record of 8-1, and Jackson was 26 with a record of 22-5. Rua was on a 4-fight winning streak and Jackson was coming off a win. Rua stopped Quinton Jackson via TKO in the 1st round.
5. Maurício Rua KOs Chuck Liddell
On April 18, 2009 Maurício Rua faced Chuck Liddell in a light heavyweight bout. Rua was 27 years old with a record of 17-3, and Liddell was 39 with a record of 21-6. Rua was coming off a win, while Liddell was coming off a loss. Rua stopped Chuck Liddell via TKO in the 1st round.
6. Maurício Rua draws with Paul Craig
On November 16, 2019 Maurício Rua faced Paul Craig in a light heavyweight bout. Rua was 37 years old with a record of 26-11, and Craig was 31 with a record of 12-4. Both Rua and Craig were coming off a win. The fight ended in a unanimous decision.
7. Maurício Rua KOs Yasuhito Namekawa
On October 14, 2004 Maurício Rua faced Yasuhito Namekawa in a light heavyweight bout. Rua was 22 years old with a record of 6-1, and Namekawa was 29 with a record of 19-12-2. Rua was on a 2-fight winning streak and Namekawa was on a 3-fight winning streak. Rua stopped Yasuhito Namekawa via TKO in the 1st round.
8. Maurício Rua loses to Renato Sobral via KO
On September 6, 2003 Maurício Rua faced Renato Sobral in a light heavyweight bout. Rua was 21 years old with a record of 4-0, and Sobral was 27 with a record of 22-6. Rua was on an undefeated 4-fight winning streak and Sobral was on a 2-fight winning streak. Sobral submitted Rua via guillotine choke in the 3rd round.
9. Maurício Rua submits Kevin Randleman
On October 21, 2006 Maurício Rua faced Kevin Randleman in a middleweight bout. Rua was 24 years old with a record of 13-2, and Randleman was 35 with a record of 16-11. Both Rua and Randleman were coming off a win. Rua submitted Kevin Randleman via kneebar in the 1st round.
10. Maurício Rua KOs Forrest Griffin in their 2nd fight
On August 27, 2011 Maurício Rua faced Forrest Griffin in a light heavyweight bout. It was their second meeting. Rua was 29 years old with a record of 19-5, and Griffin was 32 with a record of 18-6. Rua was coming off a loss, while Griffin was on a 2-fight winning streak. Rua stopped Forrest Griffin via KO in the 1st round.