Liddell doesn’t expect Shogun to be out of shape at UFC 97

Published on: 15th April, 2009

Liddell doesn't expect Shogun to be out of shape at UFC 97  | read this item

Liddell not expecting Shogun to be in bad shape

Chuck Liddell is not going into UFC 97 “Redemption” against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua expecting his next fight will be for the title. He also does not expect the former Pride FC fighter to come in and repeat his performance at UFC 93 when he gassed in the first round against Mark Coleman. Liddell spoke about his upcoming fight and a possible title shot in his latest interview.

MMAHQ.com caught up to the former Light Heavyweight champion and asked him about a potential title shot against Rashad Evans.

Shogun

“In terms of another title shot, I am taking it one fight at a time. But, I am too far removed from the title holder who is now Rashad Evans. I have put my time in, in terms of my career, so I will get back there one win at a time and it shouldnt take more then 2-3 wins”.

Liddell also said he does not expect that Rua will come into their fight this Saturday night in bad shape. He says he is expecting him to come into the fight in normal shape after having time to train for their fight.

“A lot of people are blowing Shogun’s fight with Mark Coleman out of proportion. He was coming off an injury and he gassed early on in his first fight back. He was still out of shape, probably didn’t go as hard as he should have in camp, but I don’t think that will be the case in this fight. I am expecting, counting on him, to show up in great shape”.

“That being said, I am going to execute Shogun Rua if he gasses in this fight. He will show up in great shape though. It will be a war and a great fight for the fans”.

I am also hoping win, lose or draw that both fighters come in and give a good performance. It is hard to root either way because of how much I have followed their careers and waited for them to finally fights.

I don’t want to see Liddell lose and risk having to retire, so I am hoping that his training with American Top Team pays off. At the same time I am also hoping that Shogun does not show up in bad shape, because it could cost him his roster spot. Especially if he looks gassed and makes it 3 for 3 in the UFC that his cardio gives out.

We will find out at UFC 97 this weekend who will get back into contention and who will be in risk of having one foot out the door in the UFC.

 Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author

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