Inside the Cage:
Exclusive from Hawaii: Murilo "Ninja" Rua {Sept 14, 2007}
By Dave Carpinello
PDG: Thanks for taking the time. How is Hawaii?
Ninja: It’s nice; we were out walking on beach earlier this morning around 3:30 am. When we got back I weighed in at 187 lbs. So now we are in the room doing some exercises to lose the final two pounds. I am almost at the 185 lb requirement. When we walked by the coast today there were some local Hawaiians that came to say hello. It is very good to feel the fans appreciation around here. I’m enjoying fighting in America
PDG: Your first Elite XC Middleweight title defense is tomorrow night against Robbie Lawler. Any last day preparations?
Ninja: I have nothing special planned. Right now I am practicing some jiu-jitsu working on those last two pounds. The ground game is going to be important in this fight.
PDG: Robbie Lawler is known for his impressive standup ability: How will you deal with that aspect of the fight?
Ninja: It will be no problem. I’m prepared for this fight whether it is on the ground or standing.
PDG: Any lingering effects/injuries from your last fight?
Ninja: No thank god. I’m in the best shape and living the best moment of my career.
PDG: How was training camp and who did you train with?
Ninja: It was great. I did my MMA training with my brother Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Rafael Cordeiro who is my master. The jiu-jitsu training was great and I had a very good surprise in Curitiba with the presence of Fabricio Werdum. It was a great experience since Werdum is a heavyweight.
PDG: Elite XC is the third major promotion you have fought with; how has your experience been so far?
Ninja: It has been wonderful. You know that I had some problems in the other organizations. I am sure though that I have now found the right one. I’m feeling comfortable and the Elite staff is giving me a lot of attention.
PDG: Pro Elite and Elite XC just acquired King of the Cage; More competition on the way for you?
Ninja: I have already fought in King of the Cage so it will be no problem.
PDG: Speaking of other fighters; I interviewed Frank Shamrock and he said fighting you would be fun. Any comment?
Ninja: Yes that would be great but I prefer to take things step by step. Right now all of my focus is on Robbie.
PDG: Alright then, back to Lawler; how do you see the fight going?
Ninja: I know that the guy is very aggressive but I am prepared for this.
PDG: You mentioned earlier training with your brother, “Shogun”; is he ready for Forrest Griffin?
Ninja: Yes he is ready and it will be another huge challenge in his career. When I came to Hawaii, he stayed in Curitiba to continue his training and then I will meet him in Los Angeles next week.
PDG: Thanks again and good luck tomorrow night.
Ninja: Thank you. I am ready for tomorrow.
Credits for the photographs: ANDREY KLAGENBERG