Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will be in Mission Sunday.
The Brazilian mixed martial arts competitor faced off against Jon “Bones” Jones last weekend, losing in the third round to the hard-hitting 23-year-old, and in the process, lost his light heavyweight belt during his first title defense.
Mission Fuel on First Avenue is hosting the popular champion, who has enjoyed a long history in MMA, which included time with Pride Fighting Championship.
Store owner Dolf Szilagyi said he hopes the internationally known fighter’s presence will help raise Mission’s profile throughout the region.
“I wanted to do something for Mission and bring something exciting here,” he said.
The district is a growing city with lots of young people, and UFC is one of the best-known sports around the world, with legions of local fans, evidenced by how fast pubs fill up when the fights are on.
While there are dozens of fighters Szilagyi could have brought in for the March 27 meet and greet, he wanted a top performer.
“I wanted people to meet someone successful and hopefully he will be an inspiration for some,” he noted. “I wanted to bring the best.”
The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the store, located at 33120 First Ave. If you purchase $75 or more of product from Fuel, VIP tickets are included. The tickets alone, which guarantees you a picture and signature from the Nutrabolics-sponsored fighter, are $50 and available at the store.