Following the defeat of his brother, former UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Murilo “Ninja” Rua spoke about the loss and vowed that “Shogun” would return a stronger fighter for his next match.
“Shogun” Rua was soundly defeated by Jon Jones during last weekends UFC 128 event in New Jersey.
Speaking to Tatame.com after the loss, “Ninja” Rua offered these comments.
Were you surprised by Jon Jones’ game?
Yes, I was. My brother was training hard, but Jon Jones blocked his game wisely, and he was indeed ready for it, but Jon Jones proved, on the fight, he’s a great fighter and he’s to be congratulated. Now my brother will return to Brazil, analyzed the fight, see the mistakes he made and move on.
It’s hard to keep the belt on this weight class. Since Quinton Jackson nobody was able to defend the title, except for Lyoto, who was later beaten up by your brother. Do you think Jon Jones will keep this belt for long?
He has a bright future ahead of him, he’s young, he has a full stamina supply, he’s shinning, but on this weight division it’s pretty hard to evaluate because you can become a champion, but you can remain one after one fight, you losses it right away, but I’m sure my brother will train harder now and he’ll return better and he’ll win this belt again.
What do you think Shogun lacked in order to return to Brazil with the belt?
Actually, one of the first coups launched on him, a knee and a kick on his head, right on the beginning of the fight, finished his conditioning and it changed the course of the fight.