Legendary UFC and PRIDE fighter Mauricio Rua, known as “Shogun”, has been announced as the latest inductee to the UFC’s 2024 Hall of Fame class.
“Shogun” is set to join the UFC Hall of Fame. Quite a legend, this UFC and PRIDE fighter. Real name’s Mauricio Rua, but everyone knows him as Shogun. Saturday’s announcement confirmed his induction into the 2024 Hall of Fame class.
He was there, you know, at UFC 301. Happened at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The crowd went wild when they heard the news.
There was this video package. Played in the arena and on the pay-per-view broadcast. You should check it out.
Shogun’s career? Forty-two fights. Countless unforgettable moments. Especially during his early days in Japan’s PRIDE promotion. That’s when he became a star.
His fighting style? Brutal. Intense finishes. Stomping, soccer kicking. His opponents didn’t stand a chance. Remember the grand prix tournament in 2005? He took out Quinton Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, and Ricardo Arona. Won the whole thing.
Joined the UFC in 2007. Big deal, right? But his debut? Not so great. Lost to Forrest Griffin. But he bounced back. Won the light heavyweight championship by knocking out Lyoto Machida at UFC 113.
Sure, he didn’t defend the belt. But he had some epic fights. Like the five-rounder with Dan Henderson. That one’s in the UFC Hall of Fame. And he got his revenge on Griffin. Plus, he racked up a ton of Fight Night bonuses.
Then came the loss to Ihor Potieria in 2023. That’s when he called it quits. Ended his career with a 27-14-1 record.
Now he’s joining the pioneer wing of the Hall of Fame. He’ll be in good company. Anderson Silva, Kazushi Sakuraba, Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes, Randy Couture. All legends.
The induction ceremony? June 27 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It’s part of the 12th UFC Annual International Fight Week event. Wanderlei Silva, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Frankie Edgar, and the UFC 117 middleweight title fight between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen are also being inducted. Quite the lineup, huh?