There are few things more satisfying to combat sport fans than seeing an overly cocky, disrespectful or aggressive fighter get humbled.
In spewing vitriolic curses (and saliva) at Murilo “Ninja” Rua during the pre-fight stare down, Australian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Tony Bonello likely set himself up to be humbled in just the manner MMA fanatics love to see.
Bonello came into his bout with an undefeated professional record of fifteen wins and no losses but was in for a rude awakening when he stepped into the cage against “Ninja.” Once the contest began Bonello quickly found himself on his back absorbing punches and elbows and it became apparent that he had no answer for the attack of Rua.
Eventually “Ninja” advanced to the knee on belly position and began raining down very heavy punches which put the once cocky Bonello out cold. This bout has become a classic for the disrespect and aggression shown by Bonello moments before the fight and for the calmness and ruthless efficiency that Rua demonstrated in the fight.
“Ninja” Rua is the older brother of MMA legend Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. “Shogun” stated in an interview that the primary factor in leading him to a career in MMA was his brother:
“My biggest reason to get into MMA was my brother, Murilo Ninja Rua. He was already training before me, and that got me inspired to go and train as well. Later he was a professional fighter already, and I was working with my father as a salesman, and he insisted that I should go to Chute Boxe, train and give it a try, and so I did.”
source: heavy.com
About Murilo “Ninja” Rua
Murilo Rua (born May 22, 1980) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who fought in EliteXC. He is the older brother of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He is known for his well-rounded fighting skills, in particular Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rua is a veteran of PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he once enjoyed a reputation as one of the strongest middleweights in the world. Rua fights at 185 pounds, but has also fought at 205 pounds and heavyweight. He is the former and first ever Elite XC middleweight champion.
source: wikia.com
