LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie caught up with MMA legend Mauricio Rua on Thursday night ahead of his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Rua (27-14-1 MMA, 11-12-1 UFC), a former UFC and Pride FC champion, discussed what it means for him to join the UFC Hall of Fame, the injuries he suffered in his career, the crazy run he had in 2005 in Japan, and much more.
You can check out the full interview with “Shogun” in the video above.
Rua, 42, retired from MMA competition following a first-round TKO loss to Ihor Potieria at UFC 283 in January 2023, closing his career on a three-fight losing skid.
He joins the Hall of Fame pioneer wing, which currently includes Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Randy Couture, Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes, Tito Ortiz, Pat Miletich, Bas Rutten, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Don Frye, Maurice Smith, Kazushi Sakuraba, Matt Serra, Rich Franklin, Kevin Randleman, Jens Pulver, Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva, who is also part of the 2024 class.