was ist mit shogun?? [Archiv]

Pedro Rizzo

01-06-2006, 13:00

hier ein interview das er mit dem Magazin tatame u MMA Ring Report

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua spoke with MMA Ring Report and talked about all things MMA, Rua got injured in the main event of Pride 31 Dreamers last February, when Mark Coleman applied a take down and he fell on his own elbow. After that incident, Pride Middleweight GP champion Mauricio Shogun has been treating his injured arm and impressing a new group of fans: his doctors. "They are impressed with the recuperation. I also have been already running and swimming. Last week I started to train kicks and knees, but punches... it will take a while," stated the Brazilian fighter, who also revealed his wishes to return to the ring in the next semester and the possibiliby of a rematch with Mark Coleman and Renato Babalú. Check out the full interview below:

MMA Ring Report - What did you think about the first phase of Pride GP Open Weight? Who will be the favorite to win the title?

Maurício Shogun - To be honest, I think no one surprised. The ones who left the ring as champions were the favorite ones, as Rodrigo Minotauro, Josh Barnett, Hidehiko Yoshida and Mark Hunt. Answering your second question, I think the title will be decided between Rodrigo Minotauro and Wanderlei Silva.

MMA Ring Report - How is your recuperation?

Maurício Shogun - Is doing great and doctors are impressed with it. But I know I wouldn't be able to fight at the second phase of Pride GP Open Weight. But I am already training and I can wait the time to return to the rings and show my game to the fans. I have been running and swimming. Last week I started to train kicks and knees, but punches it will take a while. Enjoying the opportunity, I'd like to thank the team of doctors which took care of me: Márcio Mamba, Dr Carlos from Vita Hospital… they've done a great work with me I appreciate all the attention.

MMA Ring Report - And Mark Coleman? Do you think about revenge?

Maurício Shogun - Of course I think about revenge! I want to show the entire world I am capable to fight and beat him. But right now all depends on Pride. Coleman is such a tough and great fighter and I'd like to fight him once again. I am training for it.

MMA Ring Report - How many bouts you have in your contract with Pride? When are we going to see you in action?

Maurício Shogun - I have an exclusive fight contract with Pride, but I am not sure how many bouts I have to do. I will be fighting probably in August or September, I hope. I am sure I'll be ready by them.

MMA Ring Report - You have won a GP and now your brother Murilo Ninja will be fighting at Bushido GP. What tips you give him?

Maurício Shogun - I tell him besides the loss to Paulão Filho, he still is a favorite in the competition. It just depends on him. If he puts his mind on it and believes he can do it, he has all chances to leave the ring as a GP champion. But he also needs to concern with the psychological area, which is damn important too.

MMA Ring Report - In your opinion, which are the toughest fighters in the competition?

Maurício Shogun - Nowadays, due to the high level of training, all fights are complicated. So, we need to work twice as harder and be aware. I am sure Brazilian Top Team's Paulão Filho and Murilo Bustamante are tough fighters. There is also the current champion Dan Henderson. They are extremely competent in the category.

MMA Ring Report - There are some rumors that say Henderson would get injured and they were considering featuring another chuteboxer in the competition. What is your impression of having another Brazilian fighting for the title

Maurício Shogun - I think this information would be a great new. More Brazilians in the competition is always better for Brazilians, even more when is a member of my academy. It's better for the show, for Chute Boxe and for Brazil having another Brazilian in the card. That way BTT and Chute Boxer would have two representatives and it would help the fight rhythm.

MMA Ring Report - Talking about Renato Babalú… he defeated you three years ago at IFC Global Domination… do you think about a rematch?

Maurício Shogun - It happened in the beginning of my career. It was the fifth bout of my career and it was great. I got my foot hurt in the first match and returned to fight Bababú. I accept the loss and I am sure we gonna meet again in the ring, but I am not concerned to fight him now.

MMA Ring Report - You obviously is a different fighter from that time… tell me. How it would be a fight between you and him today?

Maurício Shogun - I am sure it would be very different from that one. I've learned a lot of thing in those three years and I became champion of one of the most important GPs in the Earth: Pride. In other hand, Babalú switched teams and now has been doing a great job at American Ultimate Fighting Championhsip… and as far I know, he might fight for the title against Chuck Liddell.