MMA and UFC News

Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua Signs With DREAM, Trains Mauricio Shogun For UFC 97 Fight Against Chuck Liddell

ninja-and-shogun

The former EliteXC middleweight champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua has agreed to a fight contract with Japan’s DREAM promotion.  Although no opponent has been assigned to him just yet, Ninja states that he is scheduled to fight on the next DREAM 8 event against a “Korean.”  He has not fought since October of 2008, but says he has been training hardcore since the demise of EliteXC.  Ninja and Demian Maia are currently preparing Mauricio “Shogun” Rua for his upcoming UFC 97 bout against Chuck “Iceman” Liddel.

Rua has an overall MMA record of 16-9-1 and has won two of his last three matches. He defeated Xaver Foupa-Pokam at Cage Rage 24 and then Tony Bonello at EliteXC ‘The Return of the King’. He then lost his last MMA fight to Benji Radach via TKO-strikes at 2:31 of the second round. The 29-year old Brazilian plans to redeem himself by making a statement in his new home over at DREAM.

Here’s a snip from Ninja as he talks about his new fight contract with DREAM and intense training he has going with Demian Maia and his brother Mauricio Rua:

“We’re in Sao Paul, my brother (Mauricio “Shogun” Rua) and I, training Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and doing what’s best for us. We’ve been here for four weeks and we’ll stay five in all…I fight April 5 in Japan and I’m doing my final preparations here. I’m going to Curitiba Saturday and I’ll be back in training Monday. I’m going to fight at Dream against a Korean…We’re doing Jiu-Jitsu with Demian Maia. (Sergio) Cunha is working with us on muay thai. We’re really sharp now…I’m certain my brother is going to win this fight, he’s very talented and in great shape. He will get a title shot soon, you’ll see. He’s really quick, training a lot here in Sao Paulo and will put on a show, I’m sure of it.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

To Top