The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has unveiled its latest Hall of Fame Class of 2024, with the legendary Mauricio “Shogun” Rua being announced as its newest inductee. Rua’s illustrious career and remarkable contributions to the sport have earned him a well-deserved place in the hallowed halls of MMA history.
Heralded as a pioneer of the sport, Rua will enter the Hall of Fame as the 20th member of the Pioneer Era Wing, recognizing athletes who rose to prominence before the adoption of the unified rules of mixed martial arts in November 2000.
Throughout his storied career spanning 42 fights, the 42-year-old Brazilian amassed an impressive record of 27-14-1, etching his name in the annals of UFC history with remarkable victories over esteemed adversaries such as Mark Coleman and Chuck Liddell.
Rua’s indelible mark on the sport is further underscored by his numerous UFC records, including the distinction of having the most fights (24) in UFC light heavyweight history and sharing the record for the most knockdowns (14) in the division’s storied legacy. Additionally, his eight knockouts rank second all-time among light heavyweights, solidifying his status as one of the division’s most formidable competitors.
Notably, Rua’s epic clash with Dan Henderson at UFC 139 in 2011 was previously enshrined in the fight wing of the Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to the enduring legacy of his contributions to the sport.
In light of his impending induction, UFC President & CEO Dana White paid tribute to Rua’s remarkable legacy, hailing him as “one of the greatest Brazilian athletes in combat sports history.” White lauded Rua’s fearless demeanor inside the Octagon and highlighted his iconic battles against luminaries such as Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell, Lyoto Machida, and Dan Henderson, which have left an indelible mark on UFC history and elevated Brazilian MMA to global prominence.
Rua joins a distinguished class of inductees for 2024, alongside esteemed fighters Frankie Edgar, Joana Jedrzejczyk, and Wanderlei Silva. Additionally, the historic showdown between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 will be enshrined in the fight wing, further commemorating the sport’s most iconic moments.
The prestigious induction ceremony is slated to take place at the esteemed T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 27, marking a fitting celebration of Rua’s enduring legacy and contributions to the sport of mixed martial arts.