LG
06-23-2007, 05:57 PM
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (16-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who recently signed with the UFC, will make his Octagon debut at UFC 76 in September. His opponent is not yet known.
White confirmed the news in a recent interview with The Oregonian.
Rua, winner of PRIDE’s 2005 Grand Prix Tournament, had fought for the Japanese-based fight organization since October 2003 and racked up victories over such notables as current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson, Ricardo Arona and Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira.
Upon his signing, White said he considered Rua an immediate contender for the light-heavyweight belt.
The 25-year-old is a member of the famed Chute Box team. He’s won 12 of his past 13 fights — nine of which came via knockout or technical knockout.
UFC officials confirmed they had signed the Brazilian fighter last month.
UFC 76 is expected to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 22. Mike Swick and Evan Tanner are also expected to fight at the event, though their opponents are not yet known.
ufcjunkie.com
White confirmed the news in a recent interview with The Oregonian.
Rua, winner of PRIDE’s 2005 Grand Prix Tournament, had fought for the Japanese-based fight organization since October 2003 and racked up victories over such notables as current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson, Ricardo Arona and Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira.
Upon his signing, White said he considered Rua an immediate contender for the light-heavyweight belt.
The 25-year-old is a member of the famed Chute Box team. He’s won 12 of his past 13 fights — nine of which came via knockout or technical knockout.
UFC officials confirmed they had signed the Brazilian fighter last month.
UFC 76 is expected to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Sept. 22. Mike Swick and Evan Tanner are also expected to fight at the event, though their opponents are not yet known.
ufcjunkie.com