Mauricio Shogun Rua has spoken publicly about his decision to fight Glover Teixeira outside the UFC, expressing satisfaction with how the situation unfolded. Rua stated that the move worked out for the best for both parties.
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has broken his silence on the decision to meet Glover Teixeira outside the UFC, telling media he believes the move was the right call and that both fighters benefited from the arrangement.
Rua, a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and one of the most celebrated Brazilian fighters in MMA history, has spent the bulk of his career in the promotion but indicated that pursuing this particular matchup on the outside ultimately served everyone involved. He framed the outcome in positive terms, expressing clear satisfaction with how negotiations and circumstances played out.
Teixeira, the other half of this intriguing matchup, is a 46-year-old Brazilian veteran fighting out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness. The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion carries a professional record of 33-9-0 and brings a well-rounded, pressure-heavy game to the cage. Standing six-foot-two at 188 cm with a 76-inch reach, he averages 3.73 significant strikes landed per minute at 49 percent accuracy, while also posing a consistent threat on the mat with 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.9 submission attempts in the same window.
Why it matters
- Two former UFC Light Heavyweight Champions colliding outside the promotion adds significant marquee value to whatever organization hosts the bout
- Both fighters have lengthy UFC histories, making the matchup a notable departure from the usual pathway for veterans of their stature
- Teixeira's well-rounded skill set — steady striking volume combined with a persistent grappling threat — sets up an intriguing stylistic contest against Rua's storied striking pedigree
