- Before making his U.S. debut, compiled an undefeated record of 300-0 in Brazil.
- Won the Ultimate Fighting World Championship by defeating 3 opponents in one night.
- Was undefeated in 304 fights when he lost a controversial decision to Russian Sambo specialist Oleg Taktarov.
- Fought Rickson Gracie, under Vale Tudo rules, in a gym at Rio de Janeiro. The fight, witnessed by several Luta Livre and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students, ended in a draw.
- Had a revenge fight against Oleg Taktarov in World Vale Tudo Championship 2. Even though the bout went to the limit - declaring officially a draw between both fighters - Taktarov agreed that Ruas won that fight plain and square.
- Is the trainer, and manager, of many Brazilian MMA champions such as Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo and Renato "Babalu" Sobral.
- Created his own fighting style: Ruas Vale Tudo.
- Was nicknamed "The King of the Streets" (from the original "O Rei das Ruas") because his name, "Ruas", means "Streets" in Portuguese.
- He is the Muay Thai coach of the infamous Inoki Team that comprise fighters such as Walid Ismail, Kazuyuki Fujita and Ryoto Machida.
- Achieved the rank of Mestre (master) in Capoeira.
- Holds significants ranks in Boxing, Judo, Sambo, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Luta Livre and Kyokushinkai Karate.
- Is one of the head coaches of the International Fight League alongside Frank Shamrock, Maurice Smith and Carlos Newton. (February 2007)
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