Rua’s appearance at UFC 274 is his first fight in about a year-and-a-half and his first time on a pay-per-view event since UFC 198, but the aura follows him wherever he goes. His dues have been paid, spent and regained, and all that’s left is a pair of fights and a ride into the sunset.
The former Chute Boxe representative admitted he wants to end his career with a win, calling it a potentially “great memory” and a “dream come true.” Likely, it’d go up there with his other two moments that stick in his mind: winning PRIDE and UFC titles. Ultimately, though, his legacy is nearly sealed and respect from his peers is earned. This is all just all to put a stylish, action-packed bow on it all.
He is certain of exactly how much more he has to give, and he’s not lowering his own standards by any means.
“It’s a dream come true to be a role model to people,” Rua said. “People say, ‘Oh, you’ve been fighting for 20 years already,’ but I’m not that old. I’m 40, and a lot of guys like Demian (Maia), (Fabricio) Werdum and (Michael) Bisping reached their prime late not so long ago, so these people are a motivation for me.
“I know I still have some fight left in me.”
