|
In this MMAyou.com exclusive 2005 Pride Middleweight Grand Prix Champion Mauricio "Shogu n" Rua speaks with us about his plans for 2008, fighting Chuck Liddell, the opening of his new gym, his fight with Forrest Griffin, and much more.
MMAyou.com: First, how are you doing?
Rua: Fine, my recovery is running okay and I will start to train to fight very soon. I want to be back in the UFC at the second semester.
MMAyou.com: How are things going with your new gym?
Rua: We are almost there. Now we are setting the final details. There is an excellent structure and a lot of fighters are calling us to come to visit and train with us. I'm very excited with this new project, University of Fight, we will have a huge Tatame, octagon and boxing ring.
MMAyou.com: I want to touch for a minute on your fight with Forest Griffin. Going into the fight with Forest, it was almost inconceivable to think that he could beat you. What happened that night and why was he able to?
Rua: I don't like to use excuses but my preparation wasn't okay. My knee was injured and the guy was better than me that night. It's easy to understand. I'm a little sad for me but I must remember to be honest to say that he deserved it.
MMAyou.com: Why have so many top Pride fighters had trouble in the UFC?
Rua: Is a very difficult question, from another perspective Quinton, Minotauro, and Anderson, all fighters that come from PRIDE, are doing very well in the UFC. I think that it doesn't matter the event, the problem is that the sport is becoming more and more professional and there is a lot of excellent fighters around.
MMAyou.com: There was a big rivalry between Chute Boxe and Brazilian Top Team. Now that many members of both teams have left is there still a rivalry?
Rua: I think that rivalry is good for the sport., challenges us and keeps us very motivated to push more and more. To be honest all of us are professional and I respect them a lot.
MMAyou.com: What is your analysis of the Wanderlei/Chuck fight?
Rua: Great fight, everybody wanted to see a KO, but both were very aggressive and respect each other. The show was fantastic and I think that fans enjoyed the fight.
MMAyou.com: If you fight Chuck Liddell, how will you beat him?
Rua: I want to fight him for sure, if possible in 2008. Let's see, his game on stand is very aggressive and dangerous, you must be very well prepared to beat him. Unfortunately I can't say how, maybe he will read this (laughs!).
MMAyou.com: Do you know when you are fighting again?
Rua: Probably September, I hope so.
MMAyou.com: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans around the world?
Rua: As I told you I don't like to use excuses. I had a lot of messages from fans around the world asking what happened in my last fight. I can tell you, there is no one more disappointed than me and I want to prove to them that I can be the UFC champion. Today I face the fight with Forrest as a good lesson to my career and when you improve and learn from a defeat you can come again better than ever, now this is my goal. I'm 100% focused in my recovering and I will be back soon. Maybe Forrest get the belt and in the future we can see a rematch in another situation, why not?
MMAyou.com: Thank you Shogun for speaking with us. It has been an honor talking with you.
Rua: Very soon we will put on the internet pictures of our new gym and fighters and in the second semester I want to meet you in USA for my next fight.
You've heard of it before and now we have it available for you; the Bas Rutten Mixed Martial Arts Workout. The greatest workout in the MMA industry. It will improve your conditioning, reflexes, stamina, and will get you in shape!!! Pick it up now. 
 |
News and Exclusive Interviews with MMAyou 
