Two of Brazil’s most respected MMA veterans are heading back into competition, but this time they’ll trade the Octagon for a boxing ring.
Former UFC light heavyweight champions Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Glover Teixeira are scheduled to meet in a heavyweight boxing bout at Spaten Fight Night on Aug. 29 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Organizers confirmed the matchup on Wednesday, revealing the contest will take place over eight two-minute rounds with a 242-pound weight limit.
Shogun returns after UFC Hall of Fame induction
Rua, now 44 years old, has not competed since his final UFC appearance in January 2023. That night ended with a first-round TKO loss to Ihor Potieria, closing out a legendary MMA career that included a PRIDE Grand Prix title and a reign as UFC light heavyweight champion.
The Brazilian icon dropped his last three fights before stepping away from active competition. Even after retirement, his legacy remained untouched among longtime MMA fans. In 2024, Rua officially earned a place in the UFC Hall of Fame.
The upcoming boxing match marks his first return to combat sports in more than two years.
Teixeira steps back into competition
Teixeira has also stayed mostly out of competition since leaving the UFC in early 2023. His final MMA fight came against Jamahal Hill for the vacant light heavyweight title.
The 46-year-old later defeated Anthony Smith in a grappling match in June 2023, but much of his attention since then has gone toward coaching. Teixeira has become a familiar figure in the corner of Alex Pereira during Pereira’s rise to UFC stardom.
Now, the former UFC champion will test himself in a different setting against another Brazilian MMA great.
Spaten Fight Night is expected to feature several combat sports attractions beyond boxing, including grappling and judo matches alongside the Rua vs. Teixeira headliner.