Shogun Rua focused on Gian Villante, but still dreaming of UFC light heavyweight title

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion, Mauricio Rua, recently did something he hasn’t done in nearly eight years prior to his UFC Fight Night showdown against Gian Villante.

“Shogun” won back-to-back fights.

While neither victory resulted in a finish, they did slam the brakes on his two-fight losing streak, one that was part of a dreadful 1-4 run dating back to 2012. So, is it too early to start talking about another run at the title?

"My biggest dream is the belt,” Run told MMA Fighting. “But I’ve been through this experience before, and I know that if I think about the belt before fighting my next opponent, that might not get me motivated. I’m more experienced now, and I know I have to think about my next opponent. This is what motivates me."

Rua (24-10) is currently ranked six spots ahead of Villante (see the list here).

It’s been a rocky road for the Brazilian, despite his accolades in both UFC and PRIDE FC. Once considered the most dangerous striker at 205 pounds, “Shogun” suffered a series of injuries (like this one) and never seemed to find solid footing inside the cage.

Not that it stopped him from putting on insane performances like this.