Demian Maia helping Shogun Rua prepare for April 18 bout against Chuck Liddell
by Jesse Holland on Mar 23, 2009 3:17 PM EDT
Email
Print
Props: Sherdog.com
Quoteworthy:
"I opened my academy to his training. (Sergio) Cunha is taking very good care of his training. Shogun is such a talented guy. He’s already in nice shape. Four weeks later, he will really be in his best shape, and it will be really hard for Liddell to beat him."
– Undefeated Brazlian jiu-jitsu wizard Demian Maia -- on the recommendation of Wanderlei Silva -- helps Mauricio Rua prepare for former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 from The Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Both fighters have a lot on the line. "Shogun" and "The Iceman" were both atop the 205-pound mountain just a few years back but have fallen on hard times as of late. Rua was choked out in his UFC debut by Forrest Griffin and looked sloppy against a senior Mark Coleman while Liddell has dropped three of his last four. It's a fight to stay relevant and we'll see who wants it more come April 18.
101 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
shogun for the win! lidell has never faced a fighter as good as rua and he is going to crumble when shoguna starts kneeing him in the ribs!
by brendan on Mar 23, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions
sHOGUN! SHOGUN! SHOGUN!!! Shogun is not only going to put chuck on his back, but he will also submit Chuck! Remember that you heard it here 1st!
by john on Mar 23, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
If Slowgun holds his hands down at his ankles again in this fight Chuck is literally going to punch his head off his shoulders.
by BNF on Mar 23, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking Shogun would go for a sub against Chuck, but now im almost sure of it!!.Shogun training with Maia can only mean one thing..Shogun definitely plans on tuning up his BJJ. And what better help to enlist then, Maia?
Shogun should have no problem standing with chuck or fighting on the ground..Shogun just has to make sure he comes in conditioned..His cardio will play a big factor in the out-come..
by Stagger-Lee on Mar 23, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Snowman’s goin’ down BNF AND YOU KNOW IT BRO!!!!! ;)
by McArthur on Mar 23, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Good luck getting Chuck to the ground and keeping him there long enough to pull off the sub. I’m taking Chuck by decapitation.
by O damn he got caught on Mar 23, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
maia can’t help shogun from getting punched in the face and eventually getting KTFO!
by sac165 on Mar 23, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
i was thinking the same…i like maia too…but he’s not gonna help with shogun’s conditioning…maia is an excellent jits artist…but he’s looked pretty gassed against ed herman..albeit one of maia’s earlier ufc fights…
shogun wants good cardio…train with gsp…
by TABASCOsauce on Mar 23, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Snowman???? LOL McArthur… No way he gets subbed, like O damn said, good luck with that. He has only been subbed 1 time and that was 10 years ago. If Randy couldn’t get and keep him down there is NO WAY Slowgun will be able to. CHUCK FTW!
by BNF on Mar 23, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Its all about Shogun for me in this one. If Maia says he looks ready then I believe him. A game Shogun with a full tank is a scary situation for Chuck…and this is Chuck who is losing 3 of his last 4 fights. That has got to be a factor in his head for this fight.
Chuck definately has a punchers chance as always though. This is gonna be a really good one hopefully. I wanna see a war like Chuck vs Wandy. This is the main event for me.
by Ca$z on Mar 23, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Chuck using his “Shogun’s” – goodnight Rua
by UFC Champ on Mar 23, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
good post Ca$Z!!! Maia is a classy, down to earth, honest guy., He has always been honest about the improvements that he needs to make to get to the next level, so I have no reason not to believe his assessment of where Shogun’s cardio is at right now.
this is all about Shogun. Its his fight to lose! If shogun and Liddell both come in, in tip top shape…Shogun SLAUGHTERS Chuck!
No doubt in my mind that Shogun will eventually get back to the top of the division….Fighting Chuck Liddell in the USA is like the superbowl of Shogun’s career. He will take this fight very serious. Also I think all the negative crap the fans have been giving him about his last 2 performances is really fueling Shogun. He has been written off, and a world class fighter that has been written Off, is a very dangerous opponent!
shogun has an amazing Chin. He got dropped a few times by lil Nog, but bounced back up to his feet immediately. Liddell is extremely limited! Takedown defense…over hand right, and a right hook….thats about it! Shuodnt be too hard to gameplan for. Shogun has tripple the amount of tools that LIddell has!
by john on Mar 23, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Chuck 2nd round KO. Shogun can’t fight in the cage.
by jay on Mar 23, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
How sweet would it be to see Chuck on his back getting some bows rained down on him from Shogun until he gives up his back and Rua locks in a RNC and Chuck passes out? I’d love to see that.
Training with Maia is smart for Shogun. Maia doesn’t exactly have great wrestling skills but he has gotten all of his opponents on their backs…which is pretty impressive for a non-wrestler. Shogun already has some great striking skills and I’m sure he’s fine tuning those skills as well.
I think I’m leaning towards Shogun in this fight the more I think about it. Chuck has the ability to end the fight at any second but he hasn’t been able to do that for a while now. I know he still has it whithin him to do it but I think Shogun can weather his storm and take advantage of the openings in Chuck’s game. I really hope to see a really definitive win for Shogun so we can move on from this and see him fight the winner of Forrest/Silva possibly cause I’d love to see him get another crack at Forrest but that fight is a ways away.
by Buster Bluth on Mar 23, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t want to give the wrong impression here.. I like Shogun, I really hope that he makes a splash in the UFC and can experience a lot of success at a high level of competition. BUT, I question his abilities after the surguries. Not gonna lie, I just think he might be gimped. This is a tough fight for me to pick a fighter to root for, but after sea sawing for a while I have to go with Chuck. I don’t know what it is, but I like the underdog; the down and out, I would love to see Chuck win. Can’t deny it, he’s one of the greats and maybe it’s just me not being able to let go of the legends and embrace the new up and comers but anywhere and anytime one of these guys that helped build this sport can win; I’m with them (cept for Ken Shamrock, he needs to retire).
by O damn he got caught on Mar 23, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
John I quote you directly here:
“Also I think all the negative crap the fans have been giving him about his last 2 performances is really fueling Shogun. He has been written off, and a world class fighter that has been written Off, is a very dangerous opponent”
This statement can be equally applied to Chuck.
Iceman FTW.
by Synyster on Mar 23, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
synster: True!
Odamn: Chuck is the favorite…shogun is the underdog!
by john on Mar 24, 2009 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions
what synster: I take that “True” back….It remains to be seen if it applies to Chuck…. Not sure if its justified that chuck has been written off, or if age/partying has just caught up with him. Its not really the same because Shogun is still very young, and declined due to a knee injury. Chuck either caught a bad break, or has just gotten old….it remains to be seen. HOpefully Shogun can come into this fight in top shape, so that both those questions can be answered!
by john on Mar 24, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Shogun kneeing Chuck in the ribs with his jacked up knee!?!? I don’t think so…He’s only got one good knee and he would need to get inside to do that it won’t be easy for him. If Shogun does win, it wont be by kneeing Chuck into a TKO….even if Shogun does start landing knees to the ribs on Chuck, it won’t affect him. If Chuck can take Jarine’s best kicks to the ribs and keep coming then he won’t need to worry about a Shogun “torn ACL” knee to the ribs. I only see Shogun winning by submission or split decision if he wins at all.
by Chadx23 on Mar 23, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
He had surgery and recovered for nearly a year. His knee is fine. He wouldn’t be fighting at all with f*cking torn ACL.
We get it…you got chuck right?? no need to talk a whole loada bollocks though to try and prove your point.
This will be Chucks retirement party!
by Ca$z on Mar 23, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
my point was that Shogun won’t win with knees…thats all, but yes I am pulling for Chuck, he has been my most favorite UFC fighter to watch and was the reason I purchased my first UFC PPV. I do think if Shogun wins Chuck will retire, I just see Shogun having a very hard time pulling off a win in this one.
by Chadx23 on Mar 23, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the Iceman wins a very one sided fight.
by naturalshadow on Mar 23, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
preview is up on ufc site – liddell will never tap, liddell by tko!!
by jslim on Mar 23, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t you guys get tired of me telling you “I told you so”. You are loyal, but that doesn’t serve you well in your picks. Chuck wins! Stop being silly.
by Punch You in the Ovaries on Mar 23, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
i think maia may have the best jits in mma. anyone better? big nogs out of his prime soooo maybe rickson?
by johnny boots on Mar 23, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions
i think maia may have the best jits in mma. whos better? big nogs way past his prime sooooo rickson?
by johnny boots on Mar 23, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions
i think maia may have the best jits in mma. i mean whos better? big nog is way past his prime so whos got em?
by johnny boots on Mar 23, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions
Does this mean that Shogun is training in Vegas? From what I know Demian trains out of Wand’s new gym in Vegas.
by bostommmajunkie on Mar 23, 2009 3:31 PM EDT reply actions
I love Maia. Curious to see if Shogun will go straight for the ground against Liddell… Liddell’s quite tough to take down.
by shitleTOT.com on Mar 23, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions
i think had this fight taken place in pride with the kicks than yes liddell would be in trouble.. im just not buying into the chuck is done talk because of his last outing, that punch would have finished anyone if ya ask me.. im picking chucky for the win 2nd round stoppage
by Ted on Mar 23, 2009 3:33 PM EDT reply actions
rua got this fight he is the more complete fighter
by Chuco on Mar 23, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
thats true..BUT….its the ICEMAN!! got me into the sport so gotta root for him. shogun lost me with his awesome performance against Coleman.
by Ted on Mar 23, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
im with you ted
all aboard the iceman war wagon
LIDDELL BY KTFO
by Jared on Mar 23, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Jumping? as in now your on the chucky bandwagon? I think it left the station about ten years ago buddy.
by BOW on Mar 23, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
War Chuck! been there from day one !
i hope he knocks out Rua just to F with u..
by MMA040 on Mar 24, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Aight man, I’m on the wagon, LETS DO THIS CHUCK!
by O damn he got caught on Mar 23, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
WTFDid,every Brazlian who knows Wanderlei got to do what he’s saying?
by Alpha Male 360 on Mar 23, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions
Silva helps out Maia with his stand-up game. Shogun and Silva are brothers from the Chute Boxe days. As Mauro would say, Its not a team its a family.
by Nick on Mar 23, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Sh!t if Wanderlei Silva told me to do something with my training I’d do it too, that guy knows what he’s talkin about.
by O damn he got caught on Mar 23, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Kinda dumb to have a jiu-jitsu guy help prepare you for Chuck.
by marshal on Mar 23, 2009 3:44 PM EDT reply actions
I’m almost positive they were saying the same thing before the Coleman fight, he’s in great shape blah blah…then he came out and gassed in 30 seconds, almost as bad as Coleman. Chuck doesn’t get tired…if Shogun can’t finish and Shogun’s cardio sucks again, he will be looking up at the lights.
by Shanny on Mar 23, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions
wanderlei wants a brazillian to beat chuck, thats why hes getting maia to help out…
by J.Mile on Mar 23, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions
lmfao
Shogun – I need some help for my fight with chuck.
Wand – Get the Gimp!!!
god i love pulp fiction
by Jared on Mar 23, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I personally don’t see the value in Rua training w/ Maia for this fight? It’s not like Chuck is a ground genius, and Rua will probably have a hell of a time getting Chuck down. This fight will stay on the feet.
by LJ on Mar 23, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions
actually Chuck turned into a ground genius after he got choked out years ago. It’s all defense though, there’s no way in hell he would ever submit someone.
by bigbadbrad on Mar 23, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, I highly doubt it goes to the ground either just for the fact that he can’t be taken down and it appears he’s not even worried about it if he’s sharpening up his stand up skills at ATT. I still think he needs to mix it up a little though and go to the ground on occasion.
by bigbadbrad on Mar 23, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he went to ATT for a new boxing coach only, but surely he did some groud training while there…I’m not worried about Chuck on the ground though…If Chuck is on the ground loger than 10 seconds its because hes KO’d, the guy gets up quicker than anyone except maybe GSP when he DOES get taken down.
by Chadx23 on Mar 23, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
when was the last time anyone even ATTEMPTED to take him down? tito like 5 years ago? we know nothing about chuck’s ground game really, and i think that means that it is garbage, if this fight goes to the ground expect chuck to be in trouble
by brendan on Mar 24, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions
You are kidding me? Thats exactly why Rua should train for the ground. Work on your opponent’s weakness.
by Nick on Mar 23, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
before his acl tear that would be possible but now
FUCK THAT SHIT!
WAR ICEMAN
by Jared on Mar 23, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Shogun trains extra jiu jitsu…. for the lidell fight… wtf?
by MMA040 on Mar 23, 2009 4:38 PM EDT reply actions
I agree theres very little chance shogun can take chuck down, far better wrestlers have tried and failed!!!
plus wasting energy he doesnt have trying to do it would be silly!!
Chuck in the 2nd round via head kick then a combo finished with a trade mark right hand!!!!!!!
by mo on Mar 23, 2009 4:51 PM EDT reply actions
mo: but shogun doesnt use wrestling for takedowns. He uses his jit trips. He has takedowns the chucky hasnt seen. This fight will go to the ground! I just hope it stays there bc taking him down and keeping him down are two dif things. With Maia working his jits and wandy working his cardio = tap tap tap for Chuck!
by BOW on Mar 23, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I think peoples give too much respect to Demian Maia,sure he is awesome on the ground,but let not forget than Jason MacDonald almost submit him and he took Maia 3 rounds of intense bjj to pull the victory!Im also whit you on this one John!Shogun win by submition.
by Alpha Male 360 on Mar 23, 2009 5:00 PM EDT reply actions
Jason MacDonald almost submitted Maia?! Not even close. He did attempt some submissions, but Maia was just too slick to be “almost” submitted.
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 23, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
+1. There’s no way Maia was anywhere near getting submitted, anytime that McDonald attempted a submission he was just using it to advance into a better position. When he went for that RNC in the 1st you could see Maia instantly take advantage of the face Mcdonald didn’t put in his hooks and in about 5 secs maia ends up on top of McDonald.
The only person i’ve seen in Jiu Jitsu that’s better than him is Marcelo Garcia, man I hope that guy can transition better to MMA… He makes Aoki look like a White belt
by Jye on Mar 24, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions
This fight is not going past the 2nd rd..its a must win for both.. Liddel will retire if he loses, and Shogun will be set back 2 yrs from the title is he loses. This would’ve been a better fight in 06-07. I say winner gets Rampage.
by DirtbagHtr on Mar 23, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions
Rampage deserves the winner of Rashad and Machida period
by lokie on Mar 23, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, however I do not think he deserved the shot before Lyoto, so things worked out for the best.
by the spyder on Mar 23, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I def. agree page needed some time off and will be better for it
by lokie on Mar 23, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Shogun by a more brutal KO than in the Rashad fight…count on it.
by jayshogun on Mar 23, 2009 5:36 PM EDT reply actions
yeah everything points to shogun by ko after his awesome fight with oldman coleman,,,, NOT
by Lester the Pimp on Mar 23, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions
If he could catch his breath! Yeah right – down with pathetic Shogun
by UFC Champ on Mar 23, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesnt matter, Liddell will win EASILY and theres nothing a overrated brazilian can do about it.
by Lester the Pimp on Mar 23, 2009 6:21 PM EDT reply actions
His tear away run through Rampage, Lil Nog, Overeem and Arona was overrated was it?
Some people have no idea
by Nick on Mar 23, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Its pathetic how people always hugs all brazilians nuts, doesnt matter if they lose 10 in a row theyre still the best and gonna get the belt yeaaahhh, the second any non brazilian loses he “sucks” and “should retire”
by Lester the Pimp on Mar 23, 2009 6:24 PM EDT reply actions
What’s the matter…did ur Brazilian girlfriend dump ur ass?
by jayshogun on Mar 23, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Give us an example….I dont know of any Brazilian fighters that have lost 10 in a row!! ha ha
You are way off if you are talking about Shogun as he has only lost 1 in the UFC with questionable health, 1 to a broken arm and 1 to Babalu early in his career so no chame in that.
I have faith that he will come back and prove why he was considered #1 LHW in the world at one point.
WAR MAURICIO!!
by Ca$z on Mar 23, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
do you really think he would beat machida, rashad, rampage (again), a. silva?
by ehoglund on Mar 23, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
At one point in time I would have said yes. Not now though. Hopefully he brings his game on again. He was light years ahead of 90% of guys in Pride skillwise, now everyone is well rounded. He needs more than skills, he needs good conditioning to go with it.
by RobH86 on Mar 24, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Chuck by KO in round 1. Neither of the fighters are what they once were but chuck has so much more to lose. I see the fight going like the chuck vs babalu. Head kick from chuck that makes shogun famous!!! I mean come on are yall serious shogun taking chuck down and then finishing him with a submission! That’s just crazy to even think of.
by kelly on Mar 23, 2009 6:49 PM EDT reply actions
lol true lester i hope chuck kos him b4 shogun gets a chance too gas….. i guess that means the 1st punch. and i would love c shogun try 2 take a shot on chuck maybee we can c him throw a knee. Shogun is the most overated fighter in mma. and maia has great jiu jitsu but his striking is dodo wandys wild swing and shoguns droped hands are not gona help him n i cant wait 4 Nate 2 beat the living hell out of him. btw i do respect maia
by Beast300 on Mar 23, 2009 6:51 PM EDT reply actions
BOW you may be right about the trips, but it takes a good wrestler to keep chuck on the mat, its not like he doesnt have bjj himself we just never see it. IMO this fight wont spend much time on the ground, and if it does i agree shogun will win, but apart from the first randy/chuck fight nobody has been able to keep chuck on the mat in the ufc (cage)!! thats why i think chuck by ko in the 2nd!
by mo on Mar 23, 2009 7:10 PM EDT reply actions
bjj??? ‘IF’ he manages to take it to the ground Chuck’s scramble (to get up) is legendary, and ‘IF’ Rua can keep it on the ground don’t forget Chuck is a top level wrestler and very good at tying things up so the ref will stand them up. The only thing that might happen on the ground is the Ice Man’s GnP!
And if you think Rua is as good of a striker as Chuck you shouldn’t even be on this site!
Liddell for the win by TKO at beginning of round 3.
Obviously an Ice Man fan :D
by JS on Mar 23, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions
Shogun!!!!
Hopefully he is back with gas, that is all he needs…
I felt that the major meathook Coleman served up in the first round I believe (when Shogun was on the ground against the fence if I remember correctly) and the constant TD defense is what gassed Rua (coupled with coming off of knee surgery and a long layoff)…
Rua is an awesome striker as well JS, only his hands are not as clean as Chucks, and yes some of his punches can look sloppym, but he has some vicious kicks, knees, and potentially elbows (which we have only seen a glimpse of in the Griffin fight, and maybe against Babalu in Colorado)…
by CageFightingKip on Mar 23, 2009 7:24 PM EDT reply actions
Dont count Shogun out mofos he might even pull the upset!!
by Gina's triangle chokes dummy :) on Mar 23, 2009 11:42 PM EDT reply actions
If chuck wins this fight how sweet would it be for him to fight forrest! Seriously who wouldn’t want too see teacher vs student from ultimate fighter 1. It almost happened if chuck wouldn’t have lost to evans. I can’t think of a better way for chuck to retire then too fight his own prodigy. I’ve been waiting for that match up for awhile now. And with chuck nearing retirement it looks like it may never happen. So please by all means war iceman war!!!
by kelly on Mar 24, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions
JS at what point did I say Rua would win on the feet??? I said chuck has bjj, as he has a purple belt, so wouldnt be completely lost if rua goes for a sub. Please read what iv written before making stupid replies!!!!!
Lol shouldnt be writing on here??? ok never realised it was full of guys with phd’s in mma!!! What do you do, prob a mechanic or sumthin!!! Less of the assumptions and reading what iv written wrong, thanks!!!
by mo on Mar 24, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
