Lyoto Machida vs Shogun Rua announced for UFC 104 on Oct. 24

by MMAmania.com on Jun 21, 2009 9:44 AM EDT Comment 90 comments

It's time for some Brazilian-on-Brazilian crime.

Ultimate Fighting Championship finally confirmed a much earlier MMAmania.com report that a light heavyweight title fight between newly-minted champion Lyoto Machida (15-0) and 2005 Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix winner Mauricio Rua (18-3) is booked for UFC 104 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on October 24.

"Shogun" is coming off a first round technical knockout of former 205-pound champion, Chuck Liddell, at UFC 97: "Redemption" last month. He defeated Mark Coleman via third round technical knockout in a lackluster performance earlier this year at UFC 93: "Franklin vs. Henderson" to earn a crack at the "Iceman."

It’s perhaps not the match up that most fans expected, especially when UFC President Dana White was quick to announce that Quinton "Rampage" Jackson would be the first to challenge Machida for his newly-won world title. But that all went out the window a few days later when Jackson apparently pressed UFC officials to settle a score with Rashad Evans via The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 first rather than compete to get his belt back.

That left "The Dragon" — who flattened Evans at UFC 98 to win the belt — all of a sudden without a number one contender … until now.

Despite his recent success, some UFC fans still aren't sold on the abilities of Rua, who must now muster up some of the mojo he had during his blistering run in PRIDE to try and overcome an opponent who went from tentative to homicidal in the span of three figthts.

Machida will also try to stop the revolving door that has continued to spin atop the division afterChuckLiddell coughed up the 205-pound belt just over two years ago. In fact since May of 2007, the light heavyweight title has changed hands a total of four times.

No question Rua will be looking to make it five.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more details on UFC 104 as they develop.

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Comments

if rua wants to win he has to revert back to his former self somehow or its going to be a one sided fight

by Jon on Jun 21, 2009 9:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

still surprised rua is getting title shot after 1-1 record in ufc. i didnt know gassing out and beating a gassed out coleman merits a title shot these days. i know hes got a good rep from pride days. deserving or not this should be one hell of a title fight.

by day1er on Jun 21, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2-1 actually. 1-1 was for Lesnars title shot.

by eightyproof on Jun 21, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

looolz

by cman on Oct 21, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually Rua is 2-1, He also beat Liddell. This is a joke of a match-up. Rua is no match for Machida who is evolving after every fight. Rua on the other hand is digressing. Machidas training is top-notch but you can’t say the same for Rua’s training if we can call it that from what we have seen.

by TheSaint on Jun 21, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

rua’s only chance of winning is to get this to the ground

i’m sure if tito can lock in a triangle then rua is more than capable of doing so

but its getting the fight to the ground…. i’m pickin machida

by ufcaddict on Jun 21, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For me Personally this is absolutely a DREAM FIGHT!

by JOhn G on Jun 21, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Figures your childish @ss would say that! Forrest got a title shot after beating Shogun and you cried like a little kid. Now Shogun gets one and its a “dream fight” why? Maybe the old Shogun would have stood alittle bit of a chance. But now, Shogun will just get destroyed!

by JV on Jun 21, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know what happens normally when EVERYONE is saying that a certain fight is a lock? an upset, because the general public never makes money from betting in the long run, so youd be wise to bet against what all the “scientists of mma” on here are saying… and shogun is definitely the man to pull it off. you guys can trash shogun all you want for his two sub par performances but the guy is a killer and can beat anyone in the world on any given day

by brendan on Jun 21, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

C-mon brendan! Im a huge Liddell fan, but I would be realistic and say Chuck didnt have a good chance against Machida. So you might be a Shogun fan, but if you keep it real you know dam well Shogun is in trouble. There are many fighters who are “killers” (Wandy Chuck etc.) but are not the same as they once were.

by JV on Jun 21, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know ya brendon but 85-90% of people on here said that rua didn’t stand a chance against liddell while others of us knew that rua would eat up liddell, and so now again most are saying rua doesn’t stand a chance against machida, rua has taken on and taken out some pretty tough competition and IMO is still on his way up and NOBODY in the lhw division has a better game combination than rua, he can knock you senseless with his fists and feet or he can submit you before you realize you are in danger. Yes he did lose to forest, but be honest with yourself and look at what was going on behind the senes with his knee, ya he looked unimpressive against coleman, (just being real), but remember the surjuries he was coming off of, ok now liddell, liddell was totally outclassed, it is interesting to see the very people saying liddell was going to destroy rua change there tune and say how chuck is over the hill and done, he’s got nothing left. I don’t care for john hackleman but, he made a statement that makes sense in regards to chuck losing to rua that went something like this, “just because chuck lost to one of the most elite fighters on the planet everyone is saying chuck is finished” even john has the ability to recognize rua’s ability and obviously so does dana white. For all the rua doubters out there take a look at shoguns fight record and who he has fought and just try and remember about the knee injury when you see he lost to forest who would never beat rua if rua was not injured. Youtube shogun rua and you might be suprised at shoguns ability.
Thats all for now, and remember this is all opinion until they fight, everyone has a 50% chance of being right or wrong.
Cheers
Ultimate Fighter

by Ultimate Fighter on Jun 21, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

would rather be childish than USELESS like u r!

by JOhn G on Jun 21, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, same for me Saint. A joke of a match-up. I don’t have to elaborate. i know rua’s a monster back in the day, but this is 2009! This isn’t madness, this is Sparta!!

by The Negation on Jun 21, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brendan & Ult Fighter,
Just cause a guy thinks Machida will get the win doesn’t necessarily mean he thinks Rua is a can either. I had respect for Evan’s game, going into his fight
with Machida, but I still thought Machida had a better skill set. Same thing here, that’s all.
Yes, the “crazy” upset can happen, and by that very definition, we are accepting that Machida should win.
Also, I’m not sure that I remember 85-90% of the posts claiming that Rua had no chance, but won’t be surpised if they feel that we now.
One thing I am 100% sure of, if Rua comes in with molasses in his boots, he’s gonna get beat up.

by Jrandolph on Jun 21, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, Shogun has an 18-3 record and we’ve already seen what he can do, he was always gonna get a title shot with the record and the status he came in with to the UFC..
Only thing that stopped Shogun from getting his title shot when he first came was his injuries and now that he’s injury-free he got it!..

by RoB on Jun 21, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

*Feel that way

by Jrandolph on Jun 21, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I expect Shogun to be competitive in this fight. That said, I’m excited to see Machida back in action. I believe there are still aspects of Machida’s game we haven’t seen in full, and however this fight goes, Shogun will at least provide enough resistance where we’ll see more of Machida’s total game. I’m extremely curious to see how Machida responds to some/any adversity, as it’s something we haven’t seen as of yet.

by CL on Jun 21, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Machida will be making me some easy money. Shogun isn’t even top 5. Beating up old men means nothing to me. Face a yound top 5 contender and see what happens. I don’t think the odds are going to be favorable, but I am really hoping the nuthuggers move the line to a place where I can make a decent profit.

by Punch You in the Ovaries on Jun 22, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

machida for the lock? fukin hilarious….here’s this mma scientists again who just get behind every fighter that most people think dat will likely to win..hahaha! sorry machida fans club…ur karate is going down…just trash all u want by the way…it wont make a difference…

by gaara on Jun 22, 2009 3:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BREAKING NEWS***

DREAM 11:
Eddie alvarez vs. JZ!!!!

NOW THATS A FIGHT!!!!!!!!

by JOhn G on Jun 22, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gaara, its now just us that feel this way, Machida opened as a -600 favorite!!!!!!

by ViolentMike on Jun 22, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank you the saint for the correction i forgot about the win over liddell.

by day1er on Jun 21, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well they offered the title shot to that coward rampage, but he came up with some bs excuse about settling a score with evans, theyve never even fought, so who else is going to step up and face machida. it seems most fighters are scrambling, and making up excuses, to not face him. machida will fight anyone on even 2 weeks notice, but idiots like rampage seem to think the longer they study him, they will come up with a plan to beat him. evans had the best gameplanner in greg jackson around, and best stable of fighters didnt do him any good. i would love to see rampage humiliated by machida, he is nothing but a lousy coward

by dtoto on Jun 21, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

rampage is a coward, so guess someone has to step up

by dtoto on Jun 21, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think most of you guys are in for a very rude awakening. anyone who thinks this fight is going to go down like Machida’s previous fights in the UFC should just stop spouting off about things they obviously don’t understand, LIKE MMA!! I’m a huge Machida fan but the fact is he has never fought someone like shogun. the mixture of aggression and technical skill, like shogun brings to the table is going to test machida for the first time in his career. people keep saying shoguns only chance is to take it to the ground but i’m not sure he won’t hold his own on the feet. machidas game is to counter strike with pin-point accuracy, so a guy like rashad, who is also a counter striker gets picked apart by a superior technician. a guy like thiago who relies mostly on his aggression but doesn’t have the technical skill of a person like shogun will get schooled by machidas counter striking ability. but a guy like shogun, who will keep the pressure on but also brings a high technical skill set to the cage will be a true test for machida.
all in all i think this will be the best lhw championship fight we’ve seen in a while.

by the_Cannibal on Jun 22, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is a good matchup but it’s too early to give Shogun a shot, especially since there’s still some doubt about his form. Yeah, he beat Liddell but Liddell isn’t exactly considered to be in great form. A fighter shouldn’t just get a free ticket to the belt for beating a former champion past his prime.

They should have matched Shogun with Franklin first. Their styles would have matched up well and provided a good technical stand up battle.

by Johnny Farnham on Jun 21, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

franklin doesn’t want anything to do with shogun i guarentee you that… terrible match up for him, franklin only does well againt one dimensional fighters like travis lutter and jason macdonald

by brendan on Jun 21, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You forgot Wandy.

by PW on Jun 21, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree with Brendan but he brings up a good point. Rich Franklin is a quality fighter and has fought and defeated decent fighters, but now that he’s a ‘nowhere-man’ at 205 they should constantly, win or lose, give him top notch fighters like Shogun, Griffin, Rampage, Rashad, Jardine, T. Silva, etc.

Whether he would ever get a shot at the title isn’t as much a concern as good quality matchups. He could hang with those guys but could he do well consistently? I wanna see if he can.

by Johnny Farnham on Jun 21, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

they can’t all fight eachother, everybody has to make their own way closer to a title shot… they need to bring in more new LHW’s

by RoB on Jun 22, 2009 2:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

New LHW’s? The LHW Division is completely Stacked with competition! The LHW Belt has been with 5 different fighters so far! We got Machida, Rashad, Shogun, Thiago Silva, Rampage, Henderson, Forrest, Anderson Silva, Keith Jardine, Luiz Cane, Franklin, The Axe Murder, Keith Jardine, James Irvin… The list goes on, not to mention all the great new comers: Brian Stann, Krzysztof, Jon Jones, Ryan Bader, Steve Cantwell..etc

by ajwells on Jul 19, 2009 4:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Rua got the title shot by default because most if not all of the top 205ers were already tied up in fights for the year and the UFC needed to put somebody in front of Machida instead of waiting for a winner of the existing fights. I think his rep from Pride and big fight experience obviously helped him more than his lackluster performance against Coleman and beating an aging Chuck Liddell. I think the UFC was right though in picking Rua over some of the young up and comers but I agree that if everyone else wasn’t already tied up in a fight this year, he wouldn’t have been my first pick for the title shot either.

I agree Johnny. Rua-Franklin would be a good fight.

A couple of people said Rampage is a coward?? No way. The guy will fight Machida down the road assuming he’s still got the title. I’ve got no problem with him settling a little score with Evans first.

by sudnvictory on Jun 22, 2009 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really like this match-up. If they are both aggressive this will be an awesome fight. I’m guessing Rua is going to come out tentative and that’s why he will probably lose. I think there is almost more pressure for Rua to perform than Machida.

by PEZ on Jun 21, 2009 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

why on earth would rua come out tentative? look who he has fought

by Ultimate Fighter on Jun 22, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Old man Mark Coleman, A washed up Chuck and now a title shot.WTF. It not who you beat but how much of a fan favourite you are that gets you a title shot. One of the main things that really p@sses me of about the UFC. The win against Coleman wasn’t even a good one, he probably had to bend over a part his cheeks as well. Fighters get shatfted in all sorts of ways in the UFC.

by Ade on Jun 21, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I get shafted in my job. Millions of others get shafted in theirs. Business is business no matter what the industry.
Unfortunetly, money talks.

by UK_Chris on Jun 21, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who else is there? Rampage is busy doing TUF, Griffin is fighting The Spider, Hendo dropped to 185, Rashad just got KO’d by Machida, Thiago Silva just got KO’d by Machida, Jardine lost to Rampage, Luiz Cane is still a few fights away.. Shogun is the only one with any sort of momentum @ 205. Hell, he’s the only one coming off a win that’s anywhere near a top 10 list.

by MC on Jun 21, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

omg i cant believe that there are this many uneducated fan here if you no enything about the light heavy weight divison you would know that this is the only fight the ufc could make and the only one that makes since seein as how eveyone else is booked you dummies and stylistically this is a great match ethier we take this fight or watch our champione sit out for several several months and and no matter how washed up chuck is he has only been losing to top fighters so to be chuck is still slightly impressive (p.s) but i hope i never see chuck fight again

by guess on Jun 21, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just to be sure, anyone that disagrees with you is “uneducated”, and doesn’t know anything about the HW division, and is also a dummy? So much for dialogue.

By the way, I like the matchup.

by Jrandolph on Jun 21, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As far as I am concerned title shots should be earned and that goes for any fighter. Waiting doesn’t bother me, being handed out title shots with little effort put in does, especially when you see how much work other fighters have to put in to get theirs. Well at least the Shogun fans will be happy, and Dana will be even happier if he gets his Rampage vs Shogun match.

by Ade on Jun 23, 2009 5:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great matchup.. awesome fight.. There arn´t many other options. Except for Liddell Shogun beat Overeem twice, Rampage, Nogueira and Arona.. He def deserves a titleshot.

by johan-lofgren on Jun 21, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i hate when jackasses come on here and say shit like “i cant believe rua is getting the shot against machida, he doesnt deserve it theres no way he can win oh my god this is a travesty..”

ok if he doesnt deserve it than who does? who can beat machida? if rua doesnt deserve the shot than who does?

anyone? anyone out there? hello?

and if no one can beat machida then what do we do? just dissolve the lhw division? and just all go home? and say R.I.P lhw and just pretend like the division never existed?

use some logic jackasses…instead of saying..no way no way no way no way..how bout some of you list your alternatives..

if he doesnt deserve the shot then

WHO
THE
FUCK
DOES
?

by HellaHectic on Jun 21, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

lol chill..

its a great match up, who cares what “they” say..

by MMA040 on Jun 21, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think he doesn’t deserve it I just think it’s too early to give him the shot after one impressive victory. He’s still young and has time to notch up some more wins before going for the belt in my opinion. The build up to the championship fight would have been better.

But, as I said, I don’t think he doesn’t deserve it at all. It’s a really good matchup. And you’re right, there isn’t really much choice for another contender.

My point is though, disregarding the top ten rankings and who’s deserving and who’s not, I would have liked to see him grow in the UFC a bit more. So I was kind of saying it as a big fan of Shogun over anything else. But it’ll turn out how it should and if he loses, just like Rampage, he can still get another shot down the line.

P. S. I thought I would answer because even though I have that view I’m definitely not going “no way no way no way no way.”

by Johnny Farnham on Jun 21, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah your right who does? for being the most competitive division, machida is making the lhw division, look like what anderson did once he got there. its clear he in on another level than anyone else, next thing you know people will be talking about how machida is dominating a weak division, he is that good. even anderson silva said, that machida schools him when they spar

by dtoto on Jun 21, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

dont even begin to even compare machida’s accomplishments to andersons…that is an absolute discrace to the entire ufc organization..

anderson has had 7 successful title defenses…machida has had 0…dont even start that shit..

anderson got that belt in 06, it will be the end of ‘09 before he defends it again…we’re talkin 3 years here..

dont EVEN start comparing machida beating rashad to anderson’s 3 year title reign

by HellaHectic on Jun 21, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course Anderson’s accomplished more but that’s not to say Lyoto’s FORM isn’t as impressive. There’s a difference.

by Johnny Farnham on Jun 21, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to disrespect your opinion dtoto, but shogun would school anderson as well, I would love to see the ufc put the spider and shogun together just to see the spider get his ass kicked, the spider would get totally dominated standing or on the ground

by Ultimate Fighter on Jun 21, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course, you have only a 50% chance of being right, so why don’t you just say A. Silva would kick Rua’s *ss. Whats the difference.

by Jrandolph on Jun 21, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

because that wouldn’t happen

by Ultimate Fighter on Jun 22, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jrandolph, nice to see ya TROLLING down the river, getting upset obviously because someone believes as strongly in shogun as you do in machida, everything is going to be OK, we will know for sure on oct 24 so hold your tears til then

by Ultimate Fighter on Jun 22, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if he doesnt deserve the shot then

WHO
THE
FUCK
DOES
?

Just about everybody else in the division!

by ducknow on Jun 22, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

awesome match-up, but again the question of rua’s form makes this fight tough to sell, for me anyway. he gassed and got choked out by forrest, TKO’d an old, exhaughsted mark coleman, and now because he TKO’d chuck in the first round, hes worthy of a title shot? as sad as it is, its kinda like who hasn’t beat chuck lately? page whooped him, jardine decisioned him, rashad knocked him out cold.. what im saying is, i wouldnt read too deeply into that win. unfortuantely, chuck’s time is over and i think there’s other guys in the division who could’ve done the exact same thing. but regardless, even if the 2005 wrecking-machine shogun shows up, is that still enough against machida? i could easily see shogun pushing the pace and eventually gassing (again) and/or becoming frusterated, leaving machida to pick his spots and come in and capitalize like he always does. basically, shogun is getting this shot cause he’s the only available big name to put in there right now.

by matmar87 on Jun 21, 2009 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Everyone says the division is stacked but everyone seems tied up.
Possible opponents,
Evans – Tied up with TUF10
Jackson – Tied up with TUF10
Griffin – Booked to fight Anderson
Henderson – Dropped down to 185
Franklin – Lost his last match at 205
Jardine – Booked to fight Silva at UFC102
Silva – Already been beaten & booked to fight Jardine anyway
Cane – Has not fought anybody top 10
Jones – Has not fought anybody top 10

So that basically leaves Shogun at the only available opponent with any credibility. The only other fight I could see happening was going to be Randy dropping down to 205, but he is booked to fight Nog.

by causalfan on Jun 21, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

thats exactly my point…people are still blah blah the same shit “shogun doesnt deserve a shot” but no one has yet to name anyone else…

everyone else is either tied up or hasnt beatin a top 10 in their life or at least hasnt even put together a 2 fight win streak..

i mean jesus, how many people right now in 205 even have a 2 fight win streak?

shoguns the guy right now

by HellaHectic on Jun 21, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

have Randy drop down again!

I’d pay to see it

by SoCalStunNa on Jun 22, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

does anyone else think that: “[Race] on [Race] crime” is getting kinda played out?

by jake on Jun 21, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m looking forward to some half-Japanese on sort of Hispanic crime.

by PW on Jun 21, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

U guys that are bitching are always bitching about something. Would u rather see machida defend his belt sometime next year? Because after tuf and rampage evans fight that how long it will be. So stop your bitching there isnt always going to be legit contenders when u got a guy running thru the division.

by desperus on Jun 21, 2009 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is gonna be an EPIC fight!! Shogun looked crisp in his last fight, and I could tell he had got his training back in order and old injuries out of the way. He just needed the pressure of a make or break fight, and getting over that hump. I think the old Shogun is back!! Is that good enough to beat Machida? Probably not… but I don’t think anybody else in the division has a better shot!! Can’t wait!!

by The Prodi-G$ on Jun 21, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I predict it won’t be epic. Machida will destroy him, and that will be it.

by LJ on Jun 22, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you know nothing about MMA if you say that.. Machida evidently has the upper hand in this fight.. but that doesn’t mean Shogun does not stand a chance.. if the shogun that people saw in pride comes out we are in for a potential fight of the year. and besides.. machida has never fought anyone that has the skill set of shogun and if shogun can take it to the ground.. it will be the first time to see if machida can prove himself on the ground. so stop assuming that it will be a work in the park. its MMA!!! anyone who comes in more prepared and of course with a little luck comes out the winner.

by GSP2692 on Jul 12, 2009 6:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully he moves out of Curitiba and heads to Sao Paulo and trains with Sergio Cunha.

by Nick on Jun 21, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Il tell you exactly what should have happened!!!

Rampage should not have been asked, he should have been told you are fighting for the title against Machida and thats it!! Then shogun could have fought evans or another contender, maybe cain for number 1.

Instead Rampage has been allowed to chose his opponent which sould never happen!! This now opens the door for other fighters to do the same, and guys that are not necessarily number 1 contender will get a shot, its a farse!! We keep hearing that this is a professional sport, (by the way the ufc is my fav sport) but its contradictory and almost makes the belt less important, which is wrong!!

Rampage should be fighting for the title full stop!! (he has ducked machida and there is no 2 ways about it)

by mo on Jun 21, 2009 6:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bottom line SHOGUN is legit and an all around lethal fighter (just ask LIDDELL, RAMPAGE, COLEMAN, OVEREEM, and RANDLEMAN amongst others.) Just to remind those in disbelief of Shoguns capabilities, he was not ranked number one in the world again in the world for no reason… And I believe he was ranked about there for a long time (more than a year) Dana knows the kind of fighter SHOGUN is this being the reason he gave him the title shot… Now Rampage would have gotten his face and body bruised very badly (just as SHOGUN broke JACKSONS rib.)

He will win believe me… Lyoto is a great fighter, however Shogun is an outstanding fighter…

I’m so looking forward to this fight…

WAR SHOGUN to all those real MMA fans and SHOGUN FANS!!!

by N1SHOGUNFAN on Jun 21, 2009 6:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dude, that was eons ago. This is 2009. And what’s with the “real MMA fans”? You mean those who don’t believe in Shogun right now are not “Real mma fans”? Get real sonny.

by The Negation on Jun 22, 2009 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its funny that you change your name to Shogunsnuts after he gets a shot, where were you a few days ago ol’ mighty support system?? Did Machida flatten the wheels on your Evensmobile? I think/want Rua to win too but geeze guys, pick a fighter and back him through some downs before you change your name in anticipation of their ups.

by ( (Adam G) ) on Jun 22, 2009 3:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hell Yea!!! i agree with every point you just made. Shogun by submission, probably a knee bar. All the UFC fans and Dana White will not know what to do after this one. I would bet any amount of money on it.

by N2SHOGUNFAN on Aug 17, 2009 4:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, either way it’s a win-win situation. If most of you are right, and Shogun is nowhere near Machida’s level, we get to see the champion defending his belt in a decisive fashion. If most of you are wrong (and some right), and the old Shogun is back, we get to see a great fight and the possibility of a title change. So, just chill out and enjoy the fight when it happens.

by CMP on Jun 21, 2009 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mashida will die this time. It’s in the bag according to Joe Rogan.

by Trish on Jun 21, 2009 11:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Did Joe really say this? If so where, I would love to hear it.

by N1SHOGUNFAN on Jun 22, 2009 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stoked for this one!! Id love for Rua to get the W and a Shogun/Griffin rematch if Forest can get past Ando he would deserve it like the way he used Shogun for a title shot his first time around. And thats judt the B-Side of things, best scenario is an Ando victory (I dont see him losing) and a Shogun victory for an epic bout between the two, 205 UFC Strap, A.Silva/S.Rua!

by ( (Adam G) ) on Jun 22, 2009 12:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Shogun will do better than people think, his style matches up well with Machidas believe it or not..

I think Shogun will win the toughest fight of his career!!

by Gina's triangle chokes dummy :) on Jun 22, 2009 12:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Only reason SHOGUN is not ranked #1 at the present time is because of his injury, but then again how would you know this (rookie.) WAR SHOGUN!!!

by N1SHOGUNFAN on Jun 22, 2009 2:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Shogun did well in the past against B-level fighters in Pride and in the ring….Machida is a master and they’re fighting a cage..so I can’t see how shogun will against a samurai..

by Tim-chida on Jun 22, 2009 7:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

b level fighters in pride, do some research Tim-chida before posting crap, he kicked the shit out of rampage, he submitted the former ufc heavyweight champion in kevin randleman, just youtube sogun rua and you will see how great of a fighter shogun is

by Ultimate Fighter on Jun 22, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you’re a fool honestly. Overeem, Lil Nog, Arona, Rampage, Chuck…B level?? with losses to who? Babalu, Coleman and Forrest,they’re some of the top dogs. Also Shogun is “Shogun”, he is Samurai. And a battle it will be…

by The Lone Ronin on Aug 2, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shogun will prevail. He is a pretty smart fighter and sticks to his game plans real well. I dont see Machda frustrating him like his previous opponents. You can expect Shogun to hang out of the pocket and bounce in and out like he did with Chuck. All he need is to be in 100% physical shape and he will win . I can’t picture machida being a threat to Shogun, Machida hasn’t really beaten anybody spectacular to prove me wrong.

by Danny_c on Jun 22, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DANNY_C you are right he will prevail, and once again all those doubters will feel ignorant… Both have an idea of what are there strengths. However SHOGUN was ranked #1 for a long time and would probably still be ranked if it wasn’t for his knee injuries… Read what Dana had to say about him

A year and a half ago people were saying he was the best light heavyweight in the world," stated White, referring to Shogun. "He’s still the same guy. What needs to be understood is that he’s been away a long time, had knee surgery, and now had a good showing against Chuck Liddell. The secret for Shogun is that he needs to keep busy," said the UFC top man. GRACIEMAG.COM

It should be ah hell of a fight…
WAR SHOGUN…

by N1SHOGUNFAN on Jun 22, 2009 12:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Shogun won’t have a chance against Lyoto, no one can beat Machida ..the great Karate Master!!! Forrest smash Shogun him in round 1..

by Tim-chida on Jun 22, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Forrest did not smash Shogun….you need to watch that fight again. He won but not in devastating fashion.

by Danny_c on Jun 22, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

shogun had a knee injury, get real forest will never beat a healthy shogun

by Ultimate Fighter on Jun 22, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think this will be a great fight between the two, but in order for shogun to give up a good fight he’s going to have to work a lot more on his cardio, ever since the 2 knee surgeries hes had his performance in the ufc hasn’t been as great.Also if he can show an performance of his great skill and caliber of how he fought Rampage Jackson it will me a very entertaining fight to watch.

by danny on Jun 25, 2009 4:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t anyone here used to watch Pride? Does anyone here actually analyze, train or fight MMA? Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is and has been the best 205 pound fighter! He’s beaten Kevin Randleman! Antonio Rogierio Noguiera! Quinton Jackson! Alistair Overeem- twice! and now Chuck Liddell!! And he didn’t just catch Liddell, he took him to school!! I suspect most Machida fans are “UFC” fans and are unaware of where some of these fighters are coming from! Machida is a good fighter, but he’s never been an aggressive or dominate fighter. I don’t know about you guys, but I got $500 on “Shogun”!!

by agent 702 on Jun 27, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Shogan better have his cardio becuase swinging at air takes more out of you than actually connecting. Shogan was very impressive in Pride but look at his fights in the UFC and yes he had knee surgury but that is the point! His knees as well as his cardio are questionable now. What is questionable about Machida? Machida with in 3, TKO.

by Shoshin on Jul 21, 2009 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just a couple facts. Shogun has lost 3 fights in his career. Yes his fight against Chuck was a good solid victory, but, everyone who is anyone at the 205 weight class has done the same recently. Chuck Liddell is in my mind one of the greatest fighters ever, but everyone gets old. This is why he retired. Yes he beat Rampage, a young rampage, i doubt very seriously he could do the same today against a rampage in the ufc. but who else? all pride fighters Noguiera, alistair, randleman? all good fighters. These names are nothing compared to the list of greats Machida has taken down. need i put them on here?? honestly he’s beaten pretty much everyone who is anyone at 205, rampage, evans tito, bonnor, thiago silva, franklin…. etc etc etc i won’t name all 15 but big name or small name they were all good fighters. Fact, Lyoto Machida has not lost a single round in his entire UFC career. the guy is perhaps the most elusive fighter around equal maybe to anderson silva but in my mind he is better. I honestly don’t think this fight will be much contest. i give it to the second round at most. Shogun was good at beating second rate fighters in a second rate division. he’s in the ufc now. and its called ultimate fighting championship for a reason. welcome to the big leagues shogun, tell your trainers to pack some ice cuz your gonna need it October 24th.

by AnaMma on Aug 18, 2009 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

People saying Shogun has no chance? Come on people, anybody can be beat. Shogun is an all around fighter and pretty much a complete fighter. He has a great stand up game, ground game, and a solid chin. U guys say Machida is “elusive” and won’t even get hit. It will be different this fight. I like Machida, hes is a very good fighter and current champ but I can definitely see Shogun winning. Not saying he will but Im pulling for him.
Shoguns Loses:
Sobral – This was a legit loss
Coleman – a freak accident broking arm
Griffin – only reason why Shogun lost was because he had injuries (if people think Im just making excuses for him, go try fighting with a busted up knee)

They could make way more money w/ Shogun vs Rampage 2 anyways

Besides the person that really didn’t deserve the title shot was Lesnar. After an impressive 1-1 record in the UFC he got a title shot. Makes perfect sense hahahahha By the way, Lesnar will lose his title real soon

by Steve on Aug 20, 2009 7:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Shogun will dominate machida!Nobody is better than my boi shogun.If his leg injury heals by october he will be fine to fight a undefeated opponent such as machida.Shogun is a muai thai master and machida always changes his style.All we can do is wait for this glorious battle of two lightweight contenders.