UFC Quick Quote: Shogun Rua not looking past Chuck Liddell at UFC 97
by Jesse Holland on Mar 6, 2009 9:47 AM EST
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Liddell is a good fighter, hits hard, but [Wanderlei] said that if I go there focused and with gas, I win this fight. Of course I was happy with the victory [over Mark Coleman], but I wasn’t happy with my performance. I can be better than I was in that fight. I wasn’t happy with my performance and I will turn this around, give the best of me in the next (against Liddell). I know my potential and I know where I can go, I wasn’t happy. I don’t think about the belt now, I only think in Liddell, he deserves respect. I just think in this fight. Surely this is a fight that will put me forward, but I don’t believe in belt yet.
-Former PRIDE light heavyweight standout Mauricio Rua talks to Tatame.com about his long-anticipated match against former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 on Saturday, April 18, from The Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. "Shogun" -- who was at one time a consensus top 5 light heavyweight and winner of the 2005 Pride FC Grand Prix -- hasn't been able to live up to his potential in the UFC since his debut back at UFC 76, a loss to Forrest Griffin. Perhaps a convincing victory over "The Iceman" will be the catalyst for a 2009 title run. What say you?
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I hope he isn’t looking past Liddell. He better get himself in shape for once. He looked like crap against an old man in coleman that had no gas at all.
by brac on Mar 6, 2009 9:51 AM EST reply actions
Agreed, I want him to win but am having a hard time imagining the way he would swim into the clinch with lidell or take him down.
by NameNotRequired on Mar 6, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
a focused and determined shogun could only spell trouble to anyone in the LHD..
war shogun
by gaara on Mar 6, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
If he’s training anywhere near Wandi cardio should just rub off on him. Wand is an animal that has never had a boring fight. Shogun take notes. Put that snorkel on or something.
by Nokimono on Mar 6, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Two fights in the UFC, one a decisive submission loss to Forrest, the other a struggle to beat Dinosaur Coleman. Yeah, take a little time off Rua, you can afford to look past anyone.
by PW on Mar 6, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Looking past to who? After his first two performances, he is nowhere near a title shot. He is delusional. I hope Chuck knocks his ass out and sends him packing.
by Boom Goes the Dynamite! on Mar 6, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
Well, he’d better show up better prepared than he did against Coleman. Because if he doesn’t, he’s getting KTFO.
Either way, I think he’s getting KTFO actually.
by Dredg XI on Mar 6, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Shogun was superb in Pride… but I think the Coleman v Rua fight was probably the worst advertisement ever for the Modern Sport of MMA – in Rua loses he should drop to 185!
by DanP on Mar 6, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions
I hope this guy looked at his cardio during his training camp.
by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Mar 6, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions
" Wanderlei said if come with gas" LOL this is the same dude that looks to have the gas tank of a sixty year old man. You didnt put Colman away because of how gassed you were. I doubt very seriously that if this fight makes it out of round one Shogun has a chance. Unless he is training nothing but cardio. Im not a perfessional fighter, and I garuntee im in better shape than he has been his two UFC fights. And before anyone brings up his knee, I have had four knee surgeries and im 25 as well, I got my cardio back with a little hard work
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 9:57 AM EST reply actions
Perfessional and garuntee? Learn how to spell before bragging about your greatness
by You serious? on Mar 6, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Am I claiming to be great. And I never claimed to be a spelling bee champeither. I CAN HONESTLY SAY I have better cardio than Shogun has shown in his two fight with the UFC D**K. His cardio has been a joke.
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
You got your cardio back? doing what? going to Gold’s Gym 4 times a week and using the treadmill? Shogun is a professional fighter do you know how hard it is to get to this level? you couldn’t last 30 min into his training get real…..
by Robert(1) on Mar 6, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
I got my cardio back by working my ass off with a strength and conditioning coach. Thats how I dont give two shits if he is a pro fighter. I played college baseball, so I know how to stay in shape just as good as the next guy
And as far as making in his training program. maybe not the fighting aspect, but I could hang with alot of pro athletes when it comes to cardio. I have always prided myself in cardio, and ill say it again SHOGUNS CARDIO IS A JOKE!!! untill he proves everyone wrong thats my opinion. People rip on BJ for cardio, but act like Shogun is the next jesus christ. BJ has better cardio than SHOGUN
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
college baseball
lol
wow you must be in real great shape to do that!!!
rua is a really nice guy and sometimes with a bad knee, you cannot work on your cardio because your knee requires rest. I hopoe he does well. I train with him and he is working hard. It should be an exciting stand up fight.
by andrew on Mar 10, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
And do you honestly think fighters are the only people in the world with great cardio? Because im not a UFC theres no way I can have great cardio right. what a joke just like SHOGUNS CARDIO
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
lokie you’re a CLOWN..Shogun would merk you in the octogan..I don’t care if you used to play college baseball ancd claim to have a strength and conditioning coach..You’re a hater..Shogun is still a consesus top ten LHW..If the Shogun of old shows up, Chuck is in a lot of trouble..Shogun is still young and your cardio is wack, ur wack like 50 BRO…Go hit up the gym and chill with yoru strenth and conditioning coach, Tim Boestch
by lokieISaJOKE on Mar 6, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Did I say anything about fighting Shogun? Leearn to read and understand what someone says. Saying I have better cardio doesnt mean he wouldnt tear me up in a cage. I guess I cant have a strength and conditioning coach because I dont fight in the UFC right? If im a clown your the biggest moron in the world.
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
You are a dreamer mate! You would have absolutely no idea what is required mentally, physically and emotionally to deal with a huge build up match like Shogun had to with Coleman. I dont think getting out of you mums bed to get a glass of milk in the middle of the night counts as cardio.
by DownUnder on Mar 6, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah youre right I have no idea right. I played in the junior college word series. ( wich we won in 2002, Central AZ baby ) I probably know more about pressure than you. Just because Im not a fighter doesnt mean I havent competed on a huge stage with a ton of pressure. So to answer your post, I know exactly what its like to have something you have dreamed about for 20 years, finaly come true, and still have the nerves to keep myself in check and perform. Its funny how ypu people act like you know so much about me, Since you do tell me how a guy hits 416 over five games in the junior college world series, yet has no idea how to deal with pressure?
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
u said it best tool!!! Junior College. Enough said, Chump!
by MMAwatcher13 on Mar 6, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
yea how does a knee prevent you from having good cardio??? Please, get your butt in a swimming pool and dont kick with your bad leg while swimming! This guy was a beast in PRIDE. I’ll give him one more shot before I write him off completelty though.
BTW, my 48 year old mother had a torn ACL and MCL from skiing and had surgery to repair it, granted shes not an mma fighter, but she was back running on a treadmill in the gym about 7-8 months later….how long ago was his first surgery?
by Chadx23 on Mar 6, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
My first surgery was nine, years ago, and my most recent was 15 months ago. I tore my ACL, and I was at 100% within a year
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
I got a feeling that Liddell will KO him
by Lester the Pimp on Mar 6, 2009 9:57 AM EST reply actions
I have the same feeling. If Shogun looks like he did against Coleman, it is an absolute certainty. I think it is comical that he would even mention a future shot at a belt, even if he wins. If he loses, he may be looking for a new job, after they feed him to Rampage of course.
by naturalshadow on Mar 6, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah Shoguns me boy and he can beat the Iceman but he has gotta get his shit together. Ill bet Iceman is licking his chops after seeing/hearing about Shogun gassing in the first round.
by Heaton on Mar 6, 2009 9:58 AM EST reply actions
His quote just boosted my belief that we will see the Rua of old in this fight.
WAR SHOGUN!!!
by Machine on Mar 6, 2009 9:59 AM EST reply actions
I hope we see the old Rua but I’m kinda pulling for Chuck in this one. I’d like to see the old timer get one more shot at the title before he rides off in the sunset.
by brac on Mar 6, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
All though I don’t really ever see him winning the title again. He’s past his prime and the lhw division is stacked. Rampage, Machida, Evans, don’t think Chuck can beat any of them.
by brac on Mar 6, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Someone brought up the point the other day that Machida had never fought a counter striker. He has always had opponents that cpme strait at him. A counter puncher could frustrate Machida and make him make a mistake. I dont recall who brought up that point, but I wouldnt count Chuck out agaisnt Machida untill I see how he does with someone who wont chase him around the cage.
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Is chuck still a counter puncher? Last time he fought I remember him chasing Rashad all around the ring!
by john on Mar 6, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
I thimk he may have learned his lesson, the first time he did it he payed for it. I hate Chuck and would love to see him lose, Im just saying im not sold that he is completley done
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
I brought up that point.. =)and Rampage is the name you’re looking for, he’s the best counterpuncher in the LHW division because of his great defensive skills.
by RoB on Mar 6, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
your damn right we will Machine! Fans are so damn fickle, they already have written this talented young monster off! Shame on them!
Cardio isnt the hardest thing to fix. I would rather go into a fight needing to work on cardio, then needing to improve skill….Shogun has the skills…now that he is training with Wandy’s mega conditioning Guru…Alejandro….Shogun will get back to the level that he used to fight at, and when he does, I dont want to see all you fickle fans that have abandoned him, jumping back on his nuts!
War Shogun! Chuck is in trouble! Shogun’s chin is very good, chucks skills are diminishing! All Shogun needs to win this fight is a gas tank! thats it! chucks either catching a beating in the clinch, or shogun will get the fight to the ground and out class him with his jits….which is probably the best Jits in the entire division!
War Rua!
by john on Mar 6, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
How many times have we seen a superior fighter lose to lack of conditioning. Your boy can be used as an example I.E. Shogun vs Griffen. Cardio is not easy to fix it takes hard work, because it sucks. Im not doubting Shogun skills, but I seriously question his work ethic when it comes to cardio. I see cardio costing him this fight as well. Liddell might be slipping, but he isnt an old ass man, fighting at 205 for the first time in years like coleman was. Chuck by TKO round 3
by lokie on Mar 6, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
WAR RUAAA
100% agreed john, ones mauricio beat the crap put of the old men u will see all the “fans” of shogun come back no this nuts!!!
i picking shogun by kneebar!!
by JoW on Mar 6, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
questioning a fighter and being skeptical about whether or not he can be the guy from Pride or not does not constitute abandoning John. Hopefully when you say stuff like this you mean the guys who say he sucks or he’s all done etc and not those of us who just happen to speak critically of his performances. He has not looked the same and has not shown up in shape, injuries or not. When and if the time comes, i’ll give him his due again. I’m actually surprised by you john. Being from Philly, I’d expect you to be more critical of guys you are a fan of instead of jumping to their defense so often.
by Crowls on Mar 6, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Crowls: I dont question guys who are skeptical, I question guys who bash him and have completely written him off! I know that NO athlete is right for at least 2 years after the injury that he has suffered! So NO! I am not ready to abandon shogun! Ride or Die!
by john on Mar 7, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
This dude use to keep an unreal pace in pride… A little too unreal. I’m sure he was blood doping. He gassed bad against Griffin and Coleman.
by bobby on Mar 6, 2009 10:31 AM EST reply actions
I’ve been so disappointed with Shogun’s performances in the UFC that I want chuck to knock his ass out. Maybe that will wake him up
by Mad A on Mar 6, 2009 10:36 AM EST reply actions
shogun isnt that great of a striker hes always left himself open for big punches. if liddell has any power left he should get the ko
by Jared on Mar 6, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions
It’s funny that all of these middleweights from pride are about to drop down to 185. The things that make you go “hmmmm”
by Legitimate on Mar 6, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions
Too many players in the LHW division. A lot of it could come down to money – better to be top 4 in one division then top 20 in another.
by DF on Mar 6, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
Fighters in the US cut alot more weight than they do in Japan. Thats why Wandy said he was surprised by Chuck’s size after their fight. I think Shogun would absolutely OWN sh*t at 185, and a fight between him and Anderson would be an epic fight.
by --utaptout-- on Mar 6, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
i think silva would eat shogun alive personally
by Jared on Mar 6, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
What happened to Shogun’s cardio?!!
I’m a big Shogun fan (Pride), and I’m a little worried for him in this fight.
by bostommmajunkie on Mar 6, 2009 11:02 AM EST reply actions
He’s become a mediocre fighter since joining UFC. Unless he improves cardio miraculously, Chuck will get his fist KO in a long time.
by Lights Out on Mar 6, 2009 12:28 PM EST reply actions
its the same as if an NFL or NBA tore his ACL…u dont see them back to their caliber in a year..shogun should never even have fought forrest but he did and hes paying for it..give him time and he will be back
by bigsmoke on Mar 6, 2009 1:23 PM EST reply actions
Everybody keeps talking about cardio, but can someone please explain to me how the Pride-Middleweight-Grand-Prix winning Shogun would beat Chuck. Stylistically, Chuck is just a HORRIBLE match-up for Shogun.
The guys who beat Chuck either have (1) fast hands and one-punch knockout power (Rashad, Rampage), or (2) an extremely well-put together game plan (Couture, Jardine). Shogun does not have one-punch knockout power, and he has never had a complex game plan. He just rushes at guys, overwhelms them, and takes them down. This plays right into Chuck’s game.
Given that there is no way Shogun takes Chuck down (so no submissions), and his aggressive bull-rush style allows Chuck to counter-punch, how can Shogun—even if he comes in Pride form—beat Liddell?
Let me end by saying Shogun and Chuck are my two favorite fighters, but I hate this fight because Shogun is going to look bad, and likely get kicked out of the UFC, even though (at his best) he would beat the majority of the guys in the division.
My only hope is that this fight is like Wanderlei-Chuck where both guys come out looking good.
by A.T. on Mar 6, 2009 1:24 PM EST reply actions
I really do not expect Shogun to rush Chuck…everyone thought Wanderlei would do that as well and he didn’t….Wanderlei took his time. Shogun knows that Chuck likes for people to rush him, thats how he made his name, KOing guys who rushed him. Shogun knows this and would be an IDIOT to come out and rush Chuck unless Chuck just shows up in horrible shape and Shogun thinks he will get away with it.
by Chadx23 on Mar 6, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
I want to know what John will say if Chuck some how manages to “ICE” Rua? Please have a statement ready because it is a very reasonable possibility that that will happen. Its also dumb to assume that Shogun cannot beat Chuck either, but lets not ASSume that Rua is gonna give that “old man” Liddell (39) a beating….Chuck’s cardio has looked good considering his fighting style he made it all 3 rounds with Jardine and Wanderlei swinging the whole time. I do think he took the easy way out by taking Wanderlei down at the end of the 3rd though, but still he hung in there with Wandy, who was supposed to be Mr. Snorkel machine and Liddell ended up having the better cardio IMO….
by Chadx23 on Mar 6, 2009 1:58 PM EST reply actions
If ever there were a sure thing victory in MMA, this is it. ALL my money on Chuck laying Shogun flat! This is a very bad matchup for Rua.
by whatev on Mar 6, 2009 3:12 PM EST reply actions
Of course Chuck will win, I’m very much looking forward to this match!
by mmarkk on Mar 6, 2009 3:32 PM EST reply actions
Put your tongue back in mate shogun has and always will be a machine, chuck is great but i mean hes not an all rounder like shogun just a stand up brawler with long reach advance…………….
by biff on Mar 6, 2009 4:07 PM EST reply actions
Chuck is an excellent wrestler plus look at how hard of a time Rua had with Coleman. Regardless of how well rounded you think Rua is, he will still get KO’D.
by the spyder on Mar 6, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions
Umm.. Lookie you need to drink a beer and relax and leave the fight game and prep to the pro’s. When you train for the MMA it is a whole differnt game entirely then baseball and cardio is not always the reason you gas out. You can gas out from lack of sparring and trying to dupliate a fight where haymakers and kicks are whizzing by your head. This will spike your adrenal levels and that makes you gas out. But anyone can run on a treadmill for 2 hours and say there cardio is great but untill you rumble 5 min rounds in a cage with a pro then you might want to bite your tongue. But I do agree that shogun was just coming off a hurt leg. And he needed more time to heal up. CHUCK is still a beast and he’s training with a world class boxing instructor to tighten up his skills watch out healthy shogun or not :)…
by DINSTAAR on Mar 29, 2009 6:21 PM EDT reply actions
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