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 defeats Antônio Rogério Nogueira
On June 26, 2005 Maurício Rua faced Antônio Rogério Nogueira in a middleweight bout. Rua was 23 years old with a record of 9-1, and Nogueira was 29 with a record of 11-1. Rua was on a 5-fight winning streak and Nogueira was on a 8-fight winning streak. Rua won via unanimous decision.
3. 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.
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 defeats Kazuhiro Nakamura
On December 31, 2006 Maurício Rua faced Kazuhiro Nakamura in a heavyweight bout. Rua was 25 years old with a record of 14-2, and Nakamura was 27 with a record of 11-5. Rua was on a 2-fight winning streak and Nakamura was on a 3-fight winning streak. Rua won via unanimous decision.
6. 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.
7. Maurício Rua loses to Dan Henderson via unanimous decision
On November 19, 2011 Maurício Rua faced Dan Henderson in a light heavyweight bout. Rua was 29 years old with a record of 20-5, and Henderson was 41 with a record of 28-8. Rua was coming off a win and Henderson was on a 3-fight winning streak. Rua lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Henderson.
8. Maurício Rua KOs Alistair Overeem
On August 28, 2005 Maurício Rua faced Alistair Overeem in a middleweight bout. Rua was 23 years old with a record of 10-1, and Overeem was 25 with a record of 21-5. Rua was on a 6-fight winning streak and Overeem was on a 2-fight winning streak. Rua stopped Alistair Overeem via TKO in the 1st round.
9. 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.
10. Maurício Rua loses to Dan Henderson in their 2nd fight via KO
On March 23, 2014 Maurício Rua faced Dan Henderson in a light heavyweight bout. It was their second meeting. Rua was 32 years old with a record of 22-8, and Henderson was 43 with a record of 29-11. Rua was coming off a win, while Henderson was on a 3-fight losing streak. Henderson stopped Rua via TKO in the 3rd round.