Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has seen it all when it comes to professional combat sports, and he's in no rush to stop now.
The former light-heavyweight champion finds himself on a winning streak for the first time in seven years after defeating Corey Anderson on Saturday at UFC 198 via split decision. This followed a decision win over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira last August.
Rua turns 35 in November, and it's not surprising that some have wondered whether it's time for him to hang up his gloves especially considering his participation in some of MMA's most violent battles.
But Shogun is only looking as far as his next fight.
"It's very good to have consecutive wins," Rua told MMAjunkie through an interpreter. "I think the victories always bring you more confidence, so for sure you take one step at a time. I face each fight as a goal and a dream. … I have a feeling of 'mission accomplished.' I want to relax with my family and start thinking of the next one."
Rua joined the UFC in 2007 after a legendary 12-1 run with the PRIDE organization that saw him finish Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Alistair Overeem, and Kevin Randleman. His dominance did not translate initially as he lost his UFC debut to Forrest Griffin, but four fights later he became the light-heavyweight champion with a knockout of Lyoto Machida.
At a modest 8-8 in the UFC overall, another title reign for Shogun is doubtful. But until he decides to hang up the gloves, his mindset is strictly positive.
"Thankfully, I'm a guy that's very accomplished in my career, and I face each fight as a dream," Rua said. "I fight in the UFC, and the UFC is really the World Cup of MMA, so every fight is going to be tough. The guys are going to be very well prepared, and every fight is a dream for me. My next fight is to win my next (bout)."
