“Shogun” Rua (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Although “Shogun” Rua has defeated Antonio Rogerio Noguiera twice before, the former champ says he’s extremely motivated to face his fellow Brazilian again.

Rua and Nogueira are scheduled to fight at UFC Fight Island 3 on Saturday, which will take place in Abu Dhabi. The stars battled before in 2005 and then 2015, and Rua won both fights via decision.

While talking to the media ahead of the trilogy bout, the 38-year-old Rua explained why he’s excited to face Nogueira again (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Yes it’s crazy,” Rua said. “I fought Nogueira (at) the start of my career, the middle and the final. I’m happy because Rogerio is a legend of the sport, and I know this fight motivates him, but for me too and I’m very happy for this fight.

“It’s exciting for me because I know Nogueira wants this fight, and I know he told Dana White, ‘I want Shogun again’ because this motivates him for me.”

“We’re both fighters that are looking for knockouts every time.” Rua said. “He fights aggressively standing up, I fight aggressively standing up so naturally our styles match in this way and it opens up and tends to be an exciting fight all the time, and I think that’s what we’re going to be looking for again.”

The 44-year-old Nogueira (23-9), who has confirmed this will be his last fight, hasn’t competed since May, 2019, when he was KO’d by Ryan Spann.

Rua (26-11), meanwhile, is coming off a draw with Paul Craig in November.