Dana White confirms the winner of 'Jackson vs Evans' as Shogun Rua's first title defense
by Jesse Holland on May 18, 2010 11:52 PM EDT
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Looks like Dana White is upping the ante for the UFC 114 main event.
The Octagon boss today confirmed that newly-crowned light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua will make his first title defense against the winner of Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans, who collide on May 29 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Shogun" finished what he started in October 2009, getting the better of then-division champion Lyoto Machida back on May 8 during their UFC 113 main event rematch from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
After putting the once seemingly-invincible Machida on ice, Rua now turns his attention to a couple of former Ultimate Fighter coaches -- and ex-UFC light heavyweight champions.
Of course "Rampage" was among the Brazilian's victims during his storied run under the PRIDE banner, which also included wins over Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem and another burgeoning 205-pound import in Antonio Rogerio Nogueira."I think Rampage [will win], but it's close to 50/50 to me. I'd say 55% for Rampage, 45% Rashad. To me Rampage or Rashad, it doesn't make a difference, they are both top fighters. But a fight against Rampage would be good ... for the pay-per-view."
Rua struggled in the early part of his Octagon career, falling to Forrest Griffin in his 2007 debut and then turning in a stinker against Mark Coleman the second time out.
A TKO win over Chuck Liddell vaulted him into a UFC 104 title fight against "The Dragon" last October, but a controversial decision left him high and dry until May 8.
Now he is officially the "Undisputed" champion.
Fans, like Shogun, are pretty much split right down the middle on picking a winner of "Rampage vs. Evans." Which fighter gives the champion a run for his money?
Both? Neither?
Let's hear your take, Maniacs.
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Theres shoguns smile
Because he knows anderson silva isn’t going to kick his ass for a couple more fights.
Anderson kick Shoguns ass??
Just like Machida was gonna smash Shogun right…..
If you dont like drugs then dont do them.....give them to me!
by Khaos_Warrior on May 19, 2010 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
There isn't a single person in MMA who i believe that can stand with Anderson.
No one. That’s why i wanted to see Vitor indulge him in a striking exchange in which most everyone will act shocked by what happens even though it was as obvious as the forrest muder.
by NNR (formerly NameNotRequired) on May 19, 2010 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
People think because andy said machida beats him in practice that whoever beats machida will beat andy lol, get a clue lol.
Nobody will ever beat Andy in the UFC
He’s going to retire as a world champion and go down as the greatest fighter in that organisation’s history. He is sporting greatness.
"Kimbo Slice sucks like I've been saying for the last few months, this fucking guy can't fight and he got knocked out in 13 seconds" (Dana White)
"The one thing we know about Kimbo Slice, this guy is a fighter, this guy will come to fight" (Dana White)
Shogun would finish Anderson on the ground.
People's Light Heavyweight Champion
Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua
your kidding with that right?
I'm not afraid of dying, I'm a little bit scared of what comes after
by SouthCaliStunNa on May 19, 2010 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions
That was Robert Drysdale's prediction
Andy was not amused.
As for Shogun, he’s going to need to get Andy to the ground in order to finish him and that’s a lot easier said than done. And Andy’s a much better fighter off his back than the Andy that got submitted by Takase and Chonan in Pride, I doubt that Shogun would be able to do much on the ground to Andy before he got back to his feet, he couldn’t even keep Liddell down long enough to submit him.
"Kimbo Slice sucks like I've been saying for the last few months, this fucking guy can't fight and he got knocked out in 13 seconds" (Dana White)
"The one thing we know about Kimbo Slice, this guy is a fighter, this guy will come to fight" (Dana White)
Hmm
Pretty sure that happened, no matter how much the shogun nuthuggers refuse to admit.
yea it happened
when ShoGun was in his “prime surgery/recovery” time. If you think thats a real showing of ShoGuns ground skills, you are delusional.
Hell give forrest the rematch, and let him start with hooks in on ShoGun’s back. Id still put my bottom dollar on ShoGun (kidding…kinda…but you get the point)
I'm not afraid of dying, I'm a little bit scared of what comes after
by SouthCaliStunNa on May 19, 2010 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions
It was Shogun's fault for fighting in such horrendous shape so I refuse to make or listen to excuses about that fight
But he has looked a lot better in his fights with Liddell and Machida and nobody can deny that. If Shogun can maintain these levels of performances and stay injury free then he could be the champion for a long time. Hopefully he’ll get the chance to avenge that Forrest defeat one day, but for now I’ll be happy watching him fight the top LHWs in the world.
"Kimbo Slice sucks like I've been saying for the last few months, this fucking guy can't fight and he got knocked out in 13 seconds" (Dana White)
"The one thing we know about Kimbo Slice, this guy is a fighter, this guy will come to fight" (Dana White)
im not into excuses. But fact is fact. Like or not.
was he hurt? yes! it was his fault and a STUPID decision. But you know that fight was NOT the “real” ShoGun and he has PROVED it, no?
I'm not afraid of dying, I'm a little bit scared of what comes after
by SouthCaliStunNa on May 19, 2010 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions
The problem is
It’s really easy to excuse fighters we like by putting up excuses for their loses, legitimate or not.
He also looked awful against Coleman.
He’s been looking great, and he beats the winner of Rampage or Rashad IMO.
But he loses to Anderson Silva, lets be honest now.
A guy wins a couple fights and he’s unbeatable, and then he loses a fight and everyone desserts him and says he was over-hyped.
Stop the madness! ;D
Shogun lost a close decision! Everyone get crazy!
Not too sure Anderson beats Shogun. Shogun’s a master of leg kicks and that’s Anderson’s weak part of his stand up game. Anderson is more of a boxer and i know he ain’t getting through Shogun’s guard.
someone else's success brings pain.
Anderson wont be shiit
He is lucky Vitor got injured otherwise he wouldve went to sleep Shogun>Vitor it will be a worse beatdown for Andy if they meet. Standing or on the ground Shogun will have no problem taking Anderson out.
If you dont like drugs then dont do them.....give them to me!
by Khaos_Warrior on May 19, 2010 4:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm the biggest Shogun fan out there
But I also have to be realistic.
His takedown defense against Machida was horrid(Though I did call him winning both fights).
A solid wrestler could easily give Shogun fits by taking him down and laying on him and staying somewhat active(Like a Rashad or a over-hyped Jones).
In all seriousness, I think Rashad has a much better chance against Shogun then Rampage does due to his ability to have a smart gameplan and his quickness. Rampage is weak against the clinch and kicks, both of which do not bode well for him against Shogun as I would see it playing out in a beatdown again for Shogun.
As for Shogun vs Andy, Andy would beat him on the feet, but like people above me have said, he would have to finally bring that A game and not dance around, because if Shogun can connect he’s in trouble. I think that fight would be 65/35 in Andy’s favor, giving the 35% to Shogun for being the better and more crafty grappler.
agreed.
i dont wanna see rashad/shogun because of the fact it looks like rashad will take him down with ease….and i love shogun.
having said though though machida got him down and couldnt keep him there for anymore than 10 seconds.
l'm not afraid of anybody. Especially not Nick Diaz. -GSP
It's true Newfie3
Machida is sorry and overrated.
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on May 19, 2010 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
And actually Page could GnP Shogun if he tried
He used to do it all the time when his wrestling was the stronger of his skills; but his hands have come along so much recently that he’s just not had to revert to that wrestling base.
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on May 19, 2010 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
ODHGC
Machida is far from overrated, his style just isn’t a good match-up for a fighter like Shogun, I will place a bet with anyone here that he would beat Rampage easily.
Secondly, Rampage doesn’t have the grappling I.Q to GNP Shogun, hence why he wouldn’t be able to to much damage. Rampage will do good against the many fighters in the UFC, but it’s like Shogun and Machida are tailor-made to beat his ass.
That being said, with Page’s power he just needs one clean shot on Shogun to put his lights out, I just don’t see it happening as Jardine and Forrest survived numerous rounds with him and he’s only been knocking out non-elite fighters recently( No disrespect to Liddell or Wandy as they are legends, but no one is going to argue that they haven’t declined drastically).
Good post, RRJr.
Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
No worries, I just made the Machida comment for my boy
OJR =P
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on May 19, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
*shaking fist* >:(
Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
LOL
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on May 19, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
When Page is on and all cylinders are firing
He’s a great wrestler; his GnP is devestating. He’s got good sense on the ground, personally thought he looked excellent against Hendo with the escapes off his back, he just doesn’t need it cause he’s also got 1 punch KO power.
He could be falling into the same trap Chuck did, only thing holding him back is his work ethic and his mentality.
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on May 19, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he has disappointed me since he came to the UFC minus the Chuck KO. Page needs to get that fire again.
Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. Only enemies speak the truth.
-Stephen King
I too am tired of the word "overrated" being throw around
If a fighter loses, it doesn’t mean he loses all his accalades. Machida, for example, is a great fighter with a great mentality and a strong set of skills. He lost. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve all the past praise, just means he’s human like the rest of us. The word “overrated” to me means he was put in a position he never should have been in. Was he never good enough to be #1? Forrest for instance was placed in the top 10 and hand fed fighters to have him fight for the belt. He won. Yes he was good. But he was never good enough to have been put in that position in the first place.
Rampage isn’t a gameplanner. And if he was, I don’t know if he has the will to stick to it. Doesn’t mean he’s not smart, doesn’t mean Rashad has a greater fighting IQ than him. Just means he prefers to fight one way rather than another. Rampage’s wrestling/grappling IQ is greater than Rashad’s imo. He just chooses not to use it, to his detriment.
On being champion - "The best thing that’s come out of me being champ is I got a chance to meet Beyonce, so I’m happy about that. That was my lucky day, 7/7/07." - Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
No one in MMA is invincible
As much as I completely agree that Anderson has BY FAR the best strikin in MMA, I actually believe that there are strikers out there than can make it not only competitive, but also defeat him. And I for one think Shogun is one of them.
On being champion - "The best thing that’s come out of me being champ is I got a chance to meet Beyonce, so I’m happy about that. That was my lucky day, 7/7/07." - Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
The same Anderson silva that couldn't touch machida if his life depended on it ?
Bring’em all on shoguns reign of terror has just begun.
by d*locc on May 19, 2010 12:06 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So you believe the practice speech
Fuck your dumb dlocc
No ur the idiot Guru
So Mr. Guru did u not know that Shogun has been brawling with Silva back in the Chute Boxe days and was far more younger than he is now. Oh yea he already sparred and practiced with Machida as well back than and look what happened to him! Yes fighters get better and change as the years go by but if Silva fights Shogun than expect Shogun to brawl with and not allow Silva to dance around! Shogun will come out with his high guard and his no fear of the Silva bullshit and end him with a TKO. Silva’s arrogance will the end of him just as Machidas over confidence ended his reign and ofcourse Shogun’s GNP of his face!
"When I was close to defeat I rose to my feet" - Dr. Dre
Ya practice proves everything
Fucking dipshit, we will see what happens. I can’t wait for this fight to shut everyone up on who the best is.
I can't wait either
Don’t think it will be onesided though. These fighters are great standing up. Should be a war
by Ponch-Hoe on May 19, 2010 1:12 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Andy-Shogun would be a back and forth classic like Shogun-Lil Nog and Machida-Shogun I
In all seriousness it would be very hard to pick a winner, ultimately I think that Andy is just too good a counterstriker for Shogun to beat him but he’d certainly have to fight at his best and wouldn’t be able to clown around and showboat if they ever fought.
"Kimbo Slice sucks like I've been saying for the last few months, this fucking guy can't fight and he got knocked out in 13 seconds" (Dana White)
"The one thing we know about Kimbo Slice, this guy is a fighter, this guy will come to fight" (Dana White)
id go with Andy too
but would be praying for ShoGun KO!
I'm not afraid of dying, I'm a little bit scared of what comes after
by SouthCaliStunNa on May 19, 2010 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Silva manages to dance around the ring and still dominates his opponents. Silva could easily pick apart Shogun in my opinion, whether you like it or not he is the probably the best fighter in the UFC.
" My style is Whoop that ass" - Rampage Jackson
Dance around non aggresive no stand up jits guys.
That dancing crap wouldn’t work with Vitor or Shogun, and It will not work against Sonnen. I do not think any fighter is invincible, I picked Edgar to beat Penn in the stand up, and Sonnen beating Andy wouldn’t surprise me. The guy man handled Okami and Nate two of the strongest fighters in the division. Silva is going to be taken down hard, and having those easy wins in the past is going to work against him. I know he beat Hendo, that was then this is now and no two fights in MMA are the same. Andy will be taken down, and Sonnen getting a points win would not surprise me.
Silva knocking someone out with a jab whilst moving back wouldnt suprise me either?
" My style is Whoop that ass" - Rampage Jackson
You probably said BJ by whatever he wants when fought Edgar.
I bet you was surprised when that didn’t happen.
Lol. U know it's true guru or else u wouldn't be getting all pissed off.
Even yur boy said it. I would love 2 see shogun vs. Andy but Andy will duck him like there’s no 2morow.
by d*locc on May 19, 2010 10:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No Ed Soares will come out with a comment like
“We really don’t think Anderson should have to fight Shogun Rua, I think what we’d like to see happen is Shogun Rua needs to fight Brock and then maybe we’ll fight the winner.”
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on May 19, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Rampage is the much tougher fight for Shogun
Rashad does not offer anything to Shogun he cant lay n pray Shogun for 1round much less 5 Shogun has real BJJ not like Thiago Silva. If he gets taken down expect a sub or reversal either resulting in the fight ending. Rampage on the other hand is brutally strong and can force his way out of subs+retarded good chin with KO power and good speed and obviously wrestling. Rampage is a better version of Rashad.
If you dont like drugs then dont do them.....give them to me!
After watching shogun vs Rampage the first time
I just can’t say rampage would have a chance. It was such a dominating performance. But then again rampage lost twice to wanderlei and redeemed himself
by Ponch-Hoe on May 19, 2010 12:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Exactly
past performances is not necessarily a predictor of future outcomes. A motivated Rampage (assuming he gets by Rashad….he may not) can give Shogun a fight. But what will Rampage’s answer be to Shoguns leg kicks? He needs to solve that riddle or hope to end the fight early.
by sudnvictory on May 19, 2010 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
True but unlike Wand, Shogun has improved and hit his prime since Pride
He would murder Rampage, who has only got older, slower and more predictable than he was in Pride whilst Shogun is becoming a much more mature and patient fighter with better all round skills. It’s going to take a better fighter than Rampage to get the belt off Shogun.
"Kimbo Slice sucks like I've been saying for the last few months, this fucking guy can't fight and he got knocked out in 13 seconds" (Dana White)
"The one thing we know about Kimbo Slice, this guy is a fighter, this guy will come to fight" (Dana White)
not true at all about Rampage.
Rampage has improved quite a bit since he came over to the UFC, his boxing skills are better both offensively and defensively + improved counter striking which he really didn’t have at all in Pride, he’d just absorb punishment back then without throwing back and that didn’t turn out too well for him against all-attack fighters.
Him and Shogun would be a good fight and under UFC rules it’s a more controlled fight.
someone else's success brings pain.
I also don't buy that Shogun is better than he was in PRIDE
He may be more patient, but he’s certainly less explosive. His run in the UFC hasn’t been NEARLY as impressive as his run in PRIDE. I’m not ready to say Shogun is unbeatable because he is Machida’s kryptonite. Major props to him for taking the belt, but I’m not buying completely into Shogun “being back” until I see a defense or two.
"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." -Dr. Johnson
Sup Rob
"Wanderlei Silva; hallowed be thy name." - Genesis 50:27
by O damn he got caught on May 19, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
lol...bad
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
Im 1 of the biggest pride fans U can find.
But I hope Rashad beats the piss out of that bum!
by d*locc on May 19, 2010 12:08 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thats a happy champion.
Im really hoping that Shogun keeps his belt longer than anyone. Best fighter ever on LHW for me.
Im 1 of the biggest pride fans There is.
But I hope Rashad beats the piss out of that pos!
by d*locc on May 19, 2010 12:11 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Remove Intimidate And What Do You Have? . . .
Potentially the longest defending Champion in LHW history.
Shogun has experience with all of his primary threats except Rashad. Over the last 10 years Shogun has trained with Machida and Anderson, he knows them so well. He has also KO’d Rampage.
So what does this mean? It means that there is no intimidation factor before the fight, before that first engagement in the cage. This intimidation is so underrated, but it is probably the biggest weapon of the elite fighters.
To be honest the person that may worry Shogun the most is Randy. Shogun may have too much respect for him (as did Gonzaga, Sylvia, Vera etc)
Really looking forward to the LHW in 2010-2011
randy?
lol no.
I'm not afraid of dying, I'm a little bit scared of what comes after
by SouthCaliStunNa on May 19, 2010 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
the x-factor is real. see GSP/Hughes 1
GSP openly admitted Hughes was his idol and had too much respect for him. Didnt make that mistake next time around. Still tho ShoGun has been the one asking for Randy. There would be ZERO “x-factor” in that fight
ShoGun vs Rampage/lilNOG/A.Silva are the fights i want to see!
I'm not afraid of dying, I'm a little bit scared of what comes after
by SouthCaliStunNa on May 19, 2010 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions
GSP was even more of a mental midget back then, than he is now...
…so you can’t compare that to this. GSP tapped to that armbar without even a thought of trying to escape it. Besides, GSP hadn’t even scratched the surface of his potential back then, and Hughes was still in his true prime. Shogun is coming into his prime now, and Randy’s prime ended years ago. Shogun will definitely not be starstruck by Randy. He’s fought too many of the best fighters in the world.
by --utaptout-- on May 19, 2010 5:29 AM EDT up reply actions
yep...and all #1 contender fights should be 5 rounds
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
lol...you too?
Fedor invented a language that incorporates Sambo and Kimuras.
So next time FEDOR is kicking your ass, don't be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
I think Rashad beats Rampage by devastating KO...
He’s much faster, and a better wrestler, and a better athlete. Everything Rampage does, Shad does better. That said, I hope Rampage wins because I’d love to see Shogun knee him in the face again, and avenge the brutal KO that Wandy took from ’Page.
He has inferior boxing, offensive and defensive. Page also has the strength advantage, and on paper Rashad may have better wrestling, but I think that's a wash, if not advantage Page.
Only clear advantage Rashad has is speed. Not sure why you think he does everything better than Page, but you are incorrect.
"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." -Dr. Johnson
If you think Rashad's boxing is better than Rampage's you are mistaken.
Although Rampage has become somewhat one-dimensional in recent times, his one-dimension is very good. Rampage wins convincingly if this stays on the feet (if he comes in shape).
"Big guys, small gloves...somebody's gonna fall..." (Gabriel Gonzaga)
~
well, -imo i think it’s safe to say shogun will be victorious in his first title defense..
i can’t wait to see rampage/shogun.2 …
rampage will definitely give a more cometetive fight this go around.. to bad the outcome will be the same..
so what if im not the smartest peanut in the turd!~
Can't look past Rashad for this one..
Rampage has had his mind on everything but MMA for the last year, I think his focus for this fight will be questionable (movies, court cases, Dana arguments etc) also the dreaded ring rust is always proven to be a factor no matter who you are…Rashad didn’t set the world alight in the Silva fight I know but I got him down for taking this fight.
Can’t make up my mind how but an carbon copy of his Iceman knockout would be sweet :)
Great the winner of this fight gets a shot at the title...thanks for telling them that before they fight
That worked out real great for the Daley/Koscheck fight. Are we going to be treated to another wrestlefest from Rashad just so he can win a decision on points. Way to totally kill the entertaining side of the main event Dana.
"They lie about marijuana. Tell you pot-smoking makes you unmotivated. Lie! When you're high, you can do everything you normally do, just as well. You just realize that it's not worth the fucking effort. There is a difference."
Why wont they EVER PUT FUCKING ANDERSON IN A CHALLENGING FIGHT?
i think someone made a poll about who the most pampered fighter in the ufc is and i can say without a doubt its anderson “can crusher” silva
The lenghts they will go to protect and pad his fucking record is utterly disguting.
by Lester The Pimp on May 19, 2010 9:45 AM EDT reply actions
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