Aldo, Shogun and Wanderlei Silva in France. Photo: Leo Lemos / Disclosure

Last weekend showed professional commitments overseas for Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. However, even while in France, where he held various marketing activities in Paris alongside fellow Brazilians and UFC athletes, Wanderlei Silva and Jose Aldo, Shogun followed his schedule for his UFC 161 training camp.

Rua faces Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in his next fight, and the former UFC light heavyweight champion said he spent ever day on French soil training as much as he did attending to business.

“I’m following the schedule of my camp to prepare,” Shogun said. “I spent four days in France and trained every day under the supervision of my team. We are a few weeks from my next fight. It’s time to accelerate the pace of technical and physical training. I’m feeling great.”

The trip to France, Shogun said, was part of his campaign for the legalization of MMA in the country, and the Brazilian athlete is cheering for the goal to be reached soon. With the seminars, a book signing, and other activities, the French population received the athletes very well and crowds were at capacity.

“The French fans … were very welcoming and caring,” Shogun said. “The country deserves to legalize the sport, has a passionate audience and quality fighters, some even featured in the UFC.

The Rua-Silva UFC 161 bout is a rematch of their 2005 Pride bout. Shogun won the first match-up with a unanimous decision, which is revered in many MMA circles as one of the classics in the sport’s history.