Shogun not fighting at UFC 83, Chuck/Shogun in June?

Warchief · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 04:19 AM

Quote:

When the UFC makes its Canadian debut on Saturday, April 19 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will not be a part of the roster. Rua – who is recovering from surgery last October to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee -- told the media in recent weeks that he was eyeing a fight in April, but the former PRIDE Fighting Championships Middleweight Grand Prix Champion will likely return to the Octagon in May or June.

“We wanted it, but the UFC didn't have a spot available in April,” said a member of Rua’s camp. “They already have an opponent for him in June, although we were trying to have a fight in May.”

In a recent interview with SportsIllustrated.com, former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell said he believed the 26-year-old Brazilian could be his next opponent at a UFC event tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 14 at the O2 Arena in London. Liddell (21-5) told SI.com he preferred the contender’s bout be held in Las Vegas instead.

If the match-up happens in June, Rua will enter the Octagon on the heels of a nine-month layoff following his shocking loss to Forrest Griffin at UFC 76 “Knockout” on Sept. 22 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Tagged the heavy favorite, an exhausted Rua succumbed to a rear-naked choke at the hands of Griffin late in the third round. Rua's UFC debut, the bout was only his second loss in 14 bouts.

Liddell, 38, is enjoying the fruits of his labor after his Dec. 29 decision victory over Rua’s former teammate, Wanderlei Silva (31-8), at UFC 79 in Las Vegas. A back-and-forth melee of punches coming from all directions, the critically acclaimed bout was five years in the making for UFC president Dana White.

As aggressive as Liddell, Rua could prove just as an engaging opponent as Silva. Previously ranked one of the top three light heavyweights in the world, the poised former runway model severed ties with the Chute Boxe Academy in December. Rua is currently training with his brother, Murilo “Ninja” Rua, at a new facility in Curitiba, Brazil.

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It seems Liddell/Shogun match is a strong possibility.

Bigshanks666 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 04:25 AM

I would love to see Chuck/Shogun. I think the fight would be very similar to Chuck/Wanderlei. No matter who wins I just wanna see it. UFC, MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!

(with the utmost respect of course)

jlruthven84 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 06:05 AM

I'd take this fight over Liddell/Jardine any day.

mcptfc2007 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 07:01 AM

this would be a great fight, they would just come out and trade with each other, it would be so amazing, if its in london i will be there

valheruking · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 07:44 AM

Yeah im thinking Shogun is going to give this next fight his all (or at least he should) so this fight against Chuck could be pretty good if it happens.

twankydawg · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 08:21 AM

That's just what Shogun needs, a tough, named opponent that he will train his ass off for and come in focused. I think it would be a tough fight for Chuck but I guess nowadays, they're all tough fights with as stacked as the LHW division is.