Ruas came to Wanderlei’s defense
(Photo: Reproduction/Facebook MarcoRuas)
The recent inclusion of Japanese Kazushi Sakuraba in the UFC Hall of Fame has caused something to talk about. Former fighter Marcos Ruas, although he agreed with the addition of Sakuraba, highlights that, following the organization's criteria, another name should be included in the select group of honorees: Wanderlei Silva.
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“I don’t know what their criteria was. Sakuraba was from another organization, perhaps because the UFC bought Pride. He was a tremendous fighter, but he didn't have a career in the UFC. I think it's fair that he be included, but I also think it's fair that the Wanderlei Silva enter the Hall of Fame. He was king in Japan and still had great fights in the UFC. This one deserves more than Sakuraba, in my opinion, but it's not me or the fans who decide. It's Dana White or someone from UFC management who's in charge. Sakuraba deserves it, he beat the Gracies… Wanderlei beat Sakuraba and everyone else”, said the veteran, in an interview with the website 'Combate.com'.
Despite highlighting his compatriot Wanderlei, Ruas is also a strong candidate to enter the Hall of Fame. His name, in fact, is always mentioned as one of the athletes who deserved to be part of the restricted group. He, however, guarantees that he doesn't worry about it.
“If it happens, wonderful, but I don’t dream about it. I was the first guy to mix styles, that's for sure. I was the first to change what Royce did. I won fights by kicking, proving to the world that you could kick in an MMA fight and do other things, use striking. Maurice Smith came much later. I, in addition to winning standing up, kicking, won by submission. I deserved (to enter the Hall of Fame) for that, for being the pioneer to change the sport. But life goes on too, many people recognize that. That's what counts. If it were fan voting, I would be there, but there is a policy. Does being in the Hall of Fame earn you more (laughs)? If it happens to come in, great, if it doesn't, it's okay. The important thing is to have health, work and a family. For my wife and my daughter, I’m in the Hall of Fame (laughs)”, he concluded.
Marcos Ruas, 56 years old, was one of the UFC's pioneers. He played in the seventh edition of the company, in the distant year of 1995. On that occasion, he defeated three opponents on the same night, a fact that earned him victory in that night's tournament. In total, he had six fights in Ultimate, accumulating four positive results and two negative results. Ruas also had discreet spells at Pride, recording one victory and one defeat. He retired with a professional record of ten triumphs and four setbacks.
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