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Family Man, Soccer Fanatic
Elite XC's Murilo "Ninja" Rua |
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Written by Franco De Camargo |
 The audience is buzzing with anticipation, and the air is thick with excitement.
Then, in an instant, as his entrance music booms from the arena's loudspeaker system and his name is announced, one of Pride FC's hottest superstars emerges from backstage to the roar of the crowd and eagerly makes his way to the ring, reminiscent of a born warrior craving the battlefield.
Ninja's demeanor is fierce, as are the looks on the faces of his formidable entourage that encompasses his brother, "Shogun" Rua; Wanderlei Silva; and his trainer, Rudimar Federico. They bring up the ranks behind him like a formidable battalion of elite reinforcements.
We have seen this gladiator numerous times in battle, but what is EliteXC Middleweight champion Murilo Rua like outside of the ring? In this interview, we will delve into the passions that inspire and motivate the man they call "Ninja."
What are your hobbies?
Watching movies, surfing the Internet and soccer-which is a favorite pastime that is cherished by my whole family. We all get together to watch soccer games on TV and cheer for our favorite teams.
Do you ever play soccer?
Besides watching all of the major games on TV, I also enjoy playing soccer with friends. I always have a great time, and the physically demanding nature of the sport helps with my concentration and conditioning.
What's the last book you read?
"1,000 Places to See Before You Die." Patricia Schultz wrote it. It's a book about traveling, with fabulous pictures of exotic places, as well as enticing descriptions of them. I read it with my wife, and we both found it to be well worth our time.
What is the most challenging aspect of MMA?
The main challenge lies in the strict discipline a fighter must maintain, which includes the diet and the rigorous and demanding training that is required even on days when I'm low on energy. And I hate having to go without ice cream, which is my favorite treat [laughs].
What's the best way for you to relax?
I'm a family man; therefore I thoroughly enjoy staying home, eating a nice meal and spending time with my lovely wife, Ana Paula.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I feel the comforts of home in Europe, especially in Germany, where the food, the culture, and the climate are both welcoming and stimulating.
What is your youngest brother Marcos like?
At the tender age of 21, Marcos is both curious and impulsive. He is going through an exciting yet difficult phase, trying to find his niche in life, and because he is very intelligent and inquisitive, he wants to try everything. As he matures, he will settle down and find a better sense of balance and direction.
Can you tell us something about yourself that we would never guess?
I'm a soccer fanatic! I collect rare World Cup memorabilia that includes a valuable card collection from the last five World Cups: '90, '94, '98, '02 and '06.
You've said that you are planning to relocate to the U.S. What is your motivation to do so?
In Brazil, we are inundated with American pop culture: music, art, movies and we learn English as a second language. I want to experience firsthand this culture that I've already experienced secondhand! Also, the MMA market is hot in the U.S., with a lot of opportunities for someone with my expertise.
In Brazil, military service is mandatory. Were you enlisted?
We [Brazilians] are taught from infancy to memorize our national anthem, we march in Independence Day parades, and we are taught to be proud and patriotic. So yes, I enlisted at the age of 18, like all Brazilian males are required to do; however, my services were not needed.
If you could meet a person from the past who has died, who would it be and what would you talk to him about?
While growing up, we received a lot of support from Tio Fabiano [Uncle Fabiano]. During our visits to his farm, we were well treated and enjoyed the open range and wide spaces. He was very kind and affectionate with us, and he taught us a strong work ethic.
At night he would tell us amazing stories and cause our young minds to wander to faraway places. When he passed away, I was traveling . . . I was never able to say goodbye. I would like the chance to thank him for all of the wonderful memories we shared.
Do you and your wife Ana Paula intend on having children. If so, would you like them to become fighters?
I've been married to Ana for three years now, and we love children. We plan on giving our children a strong foundation in the martial arts. First they will learn judo and then jiu-jitsu and eventually muay Thai. If they choose to pursue a professional fighting career, they will have our full support.
If you were not a fighter, what would you be doing?
Because I love working with people and I also love sports, a career in the health-and-fitness industry would suit me nicely. I love educating people-especially young people-about the many benefits of exercise and a well-balanced diet.
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