“Ninja” Rua Looks to Get Back on Track in the UK

Murilo Rua (Pictures) will make his debut in the UK this Saturday when he competes in Cage Rage against PRIDE and UFC veteran Mark Weir (Pictures). In an interview with Sherdog.com, “Ninja” talked about his expectations in this new challenge.

Sherdog.com: What do you know about your opponent?

Murilo Rua (Pictures): He is a tough guy. He is among the best in Europe. He is coming from a loss to Denis Kang (Pictures) in PRIDE and he must want to recover himself, but he will have to wait a little longer until he gets a victory.

Sherdog.com: Your results in the 93-kg weight division are better than the results in the 83-kg weight division. Do you have any explanation for this?

Rua: There is not an easy weight division. MMA became very professional. It’s in a higher level. In the 83-kg I fought the best nowadays — Paulo Filho (Pictures) and Denis Kang (Pictures) — but I’m willing to stay in this weight class. I am already used to this weight, and now I only want better results.

Sherdog.com: In which weight division will you fight in Cage Rage?

Rua: The 83-kg (183-pound) class.

Sherdog.com: Is it part of your plans to return to the 93-kg weight division?

Rua: Not right now. I want to keep myself focused in this 83-kg division and adapt myself to this weight.

Sherdog.com: Is the Cage Rage title belt in your plans?

Rua: For sure. This is the largest event in Europe, which has global visibility — it’s very known in Brazil. So, if I win this fight, I can have my title shot.

Sherdog.com: You were near to signing with UFC. Is there still a possibility?

Rua: Yes, it is! Depends on a good contract, but I leave this part to my Master, Rudimar Fedrigo.

Sherdog.com: Your brother, Mauricio Rua (Pictures), will face Kevin Randleman (Pictures) in PRIDE USA. You fought Randleman before, at PRIDE 24. How do you think your brother should fight to beat him?

Rua: “Shogun” is living in a great phase. When he can release his game, it’s hard to beat him. Randleman has some ground fighting weaknesses that Mauricio can explore. But Randleman is a heavy hitter and he deserves respect. This will be a great fight.

Sherdog.com: What do you think about a PRIDE event in the U.S.?

Rua: Amazing! They are the largest consumer market in the world. I’ve been there side by side with Mauricio giving some seminars. It is incredible how they appreciate MMA. We have a lot of American fans and the events count with an amazing production, just like PRIDE in Japan.

Sherdog.com: What are your next goals in your career?

Rua: I want the Cage Rage title belt and to fight in the USA in PRIDE. I still have a contract with PRIDE and if they give me the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas I will be there opening a new door in my career.

Sherdog.com: If you could choose an opponent, who would it be?

Rua: I am professional. I don’t like to choose opponents. I just want to face the better ones on my weight division.

Sherdog.com: Leave a message to all your fans that access Sherdog.com.

Rua: First of all I want to thank my sponsors Red Nose and Integral Medica Dietary Supplements. And I wish to tell to everybody who enjoys watching me fighting that I’m coming back stronger, well adapted to my new weight class and soon I will be in PRIDE fighting against the best in the 83-kg weight division. A big hug for you all, and support me Saturday.