Mauricio “Shogun” Rua says 3 Brazilians may hold UFC titles this year

Published on: 6th May, 2009

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua says 3 Brazilians may hold UFC titles this year  | read this item

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At UFC 97 Mauricio “Shogun” Rua showed that he is not ready to become one of those guys who “could have” been great in this sport, yet burned out and at a young age. Instead Shogun knocked out former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell and showed his performance against Mark Coleman at UFC 93 was nothing more than just “Octagon rust”.

Our friend Edu Ramos got the scoop on a article translated by Fighters Only Magazine from UOL.com Brazil.

Shogun Rua spoke about how the UFC Octagon is a lot different than the PRIDE ring that he used to fight inside of while competing in Japan.

“Actually, I was laid off for a year and a half before fighting Coleman. It messed me up for sure. I had no pace of fighting because I only trained during the time off. Moreover, I used to fight in the ring of PRIDE, which is smaller than the UFC Octagon, so I had no idea of distance and space. Against Chuck I was totally adapted.”

Shogun also spoke about how his fellow Brazilian fighters Lyoto Machida and Thiago Alves who could be also holding titles by end of the year. He also gave Alves the nod over Welterweight champion Georges St.Pierre at UFC 100.

“Lyoto is a very, very good friend of mine,” he said. “We already trained together and he does show how the Brazilians improved as fighters. We (Brazilians) have to reunite to show that we’re the best ones. Thiago Pitbull also can beat Georges St. Pierre. Brazil has real conditions to get three [UFC] titles.”

When asked about a potential title shot for himself, Shogun did not rush to conclusions and said his only focus right now is on his next opponent.

“I only think about my upcoming fight. It would be a sin to talk about the title right now. I need to focus in one thing a time. Of course the belt is my big dream. Who knows after the next fight? As I had two fights in a short time, I want to wait get three or four months off. I want to take a rest.”

Fan Question: Which Brazilian fighter has the best shot at becoming a new champion 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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