Brothers Murilo Rua (Pictures) and Mauricio Rua (Pictures) announced Tuesday that they have left Chute Boxe.

The brothers said their departure from the Brazilian team was friendly. They will form their own squad in Massachusetts.

"We regret the departure of Mauricio and Murilo Rua (Pictures)," said Chute Boxe trainer Rudimar Fedrigo in an official statement. "They are fighters born here at Chute Boxe and left the team to form their own in the United States. Remember that the doors of Chute Boxe will always be open to both, and I wish good luck and success in their new job."

Under the guidance of Fedrigo and other Chute Boxe trainers, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua rose to prominence as one of the best light heavyweight fighters in MMA. He sat atop most 205-pound and pound-for-pound rankings before Forrest Griffin (Pictures) submitted the Brazilian in September. Older brother "Ninja" recently relinquished the EliteXC middleweight belt to Robbie Lawler (Pictures).