Shogun On Liddell: If I could choose who I’d fight on my return it would be him

[Warchief]

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua arose in MMA as something of a phenomenon. It didn’t take long before he won over Japan through the Pride Middleweight GP and dominated his division using stomps and an attractive fighting style. With the end of the Japanese organization, the natural route for the Brazilian was the most promising market of the moment: the UFC.

The Brazilian arrived in the American organization already tipped to become champion, and as the most likely to become the main challenger for the light heavyweight belt, belonging to Quinton Jackson. But what the world witnessed was an unrecognizable Shogun in his debut against Forrest Griffin, as a knee injury hindered his preparations for the fight. Soon thereafter, the UFC threw him a great opportunity to redeem himself, offering him a bout against superstar Chuck Liddell at UFC 85.

Once again the knee got in the way of the Jiu-Jitsu black belt, who is now focusing his energies on returning to being the fighter everyone had expected him to be: a fighting ace. With a new gym, having all the time he needs to return to form and regain his morale, the youngest brother of Murilo Ninja had a talk with GRACIEMAG.com about his new phase, his desire to fight Chuck, and recovery. Check out the main points of the discussion:

Recovery

“I’ve been lifting weights, doing physiotherapy and swimming every day. My physiotherapist has cleared me to do some light boxing next week, but as I’m going to travel with my brother to catch his fight in Hawaii three weeks from now, I decided only to return to training after the trip.

Universidade da Luta (Fight University)

“I’m also having work done on my house, besides working on inaugurating the gym (Universidade da Luta), which will take place two weeks from now. Our gym will be based on Couture’s Xtreme Couture, and will be at the level of foreign gyms. We decided to stay here in Brazil and so we’ll have to have the best, including a 135 sq meter (450 sq ft) mat. We’ll have the best structure in Brazil.

“If where I am isn’t first rate, I’d never have left Chute Boxe. The UFC is my work and my boss. We’re not kids anymore and will prove to everyone that I’ll be well prepared. We haven’t even inaugurated yet and we already have a good team, which everyone will get to know domestically and internationally in the events to come.”

Chuck Liddell

“I respect him a lot as a fighter and I think he, besides being a warrior, is top of the category. I’ve been watching him since I started fighting. My fans can be sure I’ll be back at 100%. I’d like for him to wait and fight me at the end of the year. If I could choose who I’d fight on my return, it would be him, for sure, and I hope he accepts.

Source




Make it happen Dana...before Chuck gets too old!

[hunterkiller]

Yeah, I wanted to see the Wanderlei fight back before Chuck and Wandy were both coming off back to back losses. While the fight was still good, it had lost a little luster in my opinion.

I wish it could be under Pride rules. I don't know but there's something about imagining Shogun soccer kicking Liddell that puts a smile on my face this early in the morning.

[fredro32]

In my perfect world Shogun would have one fight b4 he fought Liddell.

1.) coming off of a loss and then getting to fight Chuck after a big W requires some help and Shogun has it, name recognition and a known badass.

2.) I think the fight would be better if Shogun had at least another fight to continue to adapt to the cage, UFC rules, and to shake any rust that may effect stamina, rhythym, etc.

But we all know that not making a dream match happen when possible, you may never have it at all, especially at Chuck's age.

But an end of the year Superfight, no complaints if it happens, just anticipation.

[jhell]

I hope this fight happens but i'm not going to hold my breath. Liddell by knockout in the third.

[twankydawg]

I think everyone has forgotten how badass Shogun really is. I'd love to see him fight chuck at the end of the year.....as long as he's at 100%.

[BUKKAKALYPSE]

Man i love Shogun but without soccer kicks and stomps I might have to go with Chucky on this one..plus its a cage now not a ring.

[Badluck_33]

Shogun by flying knee in the 2nd

[POINDEXTER]

I'd like to see them fight if both of them are at 100%.

[the_dark_angel_4ever]

I don't know why everyone wants these "tune up" fights. Yes confidence is major in the fight game and crushing a can will certainly build a bit of confidence. The problem is that if Shogun was scheduled against a can he probably wouldn't train as hard and not respect his opponent and possibly end up loosing ala Cro Cop and that destroys any confidence he may have had. The con's simply outweigh the pro's.

[Submissionist]

Shogun is going to the LHW champion next year around this time, a healthy Shogun can definitely be the Anderson Silva of 205.