Report: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua Agrees to Fight Lyoto Machida
by Leland Roling on May 29, 2009 9:10 AM EDT
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According to MMAWeekly, Mauricio 'Shogun" Rua has agreed to fight Lyoto Machida. No date has been made for the fight, and Lyoto Machida's camp has yet to confirm or deny if the agreement is true or false. We do know that the UFC is pushing to make this fight happen, and Shogun vs. Machida is likely going to happen instead of Rampage vs. Machida:
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has in principle accepted a bout with new light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, MMAWeekly.com has learned from sources close to negotiations.
Though a concrete date for the fight could not be confirmed, and Machida’s management could not be reached at the time of this writing, sources say it would likely take place in October or November.
It sounds like minor details are the only thing in the way at this point, and this fight will likely take place in October or November. The matchup will set up a Machida vs. Shogun title bout with Rampage vs. Evans taking place in December. The outcomes of the bouts will likely determine the future matchups between the four fighters. Alternatively, the UFC could decide to mix in some other talent such as Luiz Cane moving up in the ranks or potentially the return of Tito Ortiz as some fans have suggested.
Shogun vs. Rampage is a very likely outcome at some point in this scenario, and the UFC could pump the rematch up with the marketing department. Rampage vs. Evans should have some fantastic buildup from the reality series, and Shogun vs. Machida should be an interesting test for Shogun Rua, who has only recently began to look a bit like his former self. Get ready for some heavy action in the Light Heavyweight division come late in the year.
UPDATE: From MMAMania.com via SuperLutas.com.br
The 2005 Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix winner, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, earlier this week did indeed sign a bout agreement to challenge UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida, which will more than likely take place at UFC 104 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 24.
SuperLutas.com.br was able to confirm the rumored match up with sources close to the Brazilian’s camp.
Bout agreement signed makes this all but confirmed by the UFC.
The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.
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Ohhhh yes, oh very yes!!!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
It’s funny…..I haven’t seen anyone comment post fight about the whole attacking of the spirit comment Machida made….makes a bit more sense now doesn’t it :)
And I agree, by murder
Or if Rua/Coleman is any indication:
By cardiac arrest.
If you see Mark Coleman in person, drop $5 on the floor and watch the fun as he tries in vain to bend down and pick it up.
I don't know, man.
Shogun means business lately.
Personally, I would’ve liked to have seen him get 1 or 2 more fights to prove himself, and keep getting better before he got a title shot, but if Shogun shows up in shape and focused, you can hardly count him out.
The one thing Shogun has that Machida doesn’t is the kind of transition game or adaptability Rua is known for. If you look at Machida’s toughest fights, they were against 1) BJ, who was able to get inside Machida’s kicks and rough him up with punches, and 2) Greco, who is a high level kickboxer, with decent takedown defense/ ground game.
First off, Machida does have great lateral movement and avoidances, but one thing i’ve noticed is that he tends to leave his chin out when he’s backing up, and he isn’t one to throw any backpedaling bombs ala Chuck. Many times, against very good strikers, Shogun showed the ability to get inside and utilize his very effective close quarters MT strikes (dirty boxing, knees, elbows, etc) as well as takedowns, and IMO this is the key to beating Machida.
If you saw the Kaz Nakamura fight, Kaz met with good success in the 3’rd round with dirty boxing. He even hit him with a lunging hook (which Machida has said was the hardest shot he’s taken in the UFC). What i’m getting at here is that I think Shogun could potentially work his way inside Machida’s kicks (seeing as how he’s a top tier striker as well, and isn’t exactly deadly afraid of kicks), rough him up a bit in close quarters, and either take him down, or catch him backpedaling with a lunging hook.
Granted, Shogun would have to show up very sharp, focused, and in great shape, but I think if anyone could do it, it’ll be Shogun.
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
by ElliotMatheny on May 30, 2009 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions
He was their best option with Rampage, Forrest and Rashad booked. That much I can say.
by Derek Suboticki on May 30, 2009 3:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I understand why the fight'll prolly happen.
It’s just that I would like to see Shogun prove himself a little more before he gets the title shot.
That said, there really wasn’t anyone else with Shogun’s name value, waiting in the flanks to fight Lyoto.
Also, no matter what happens, there will be some great matchups to come. Say Shogun wins the title, that means he could be defending the belt in a key rematch against Forrest if (big if) he beats Anderson, and then taking on the winner of Page/ Evans. Machida retains, and you have the possibility of Forrest/ Machida, and then Page/ Machida if Jackson beats Evans. If Rampage loses to Rashad, and Shogun fails to beat Lyoto, then we could see a Quinton/ Mauricio rematch, as well.
I’m stoked
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
by ElliotMatheny on May 30, 2009 4:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention all the up and comers of the division.
Personally, I would love to see Luis Cane fight someone like Jardine. And maybe Soszyniskltwqprnsbjdy could fight a guy like Jon Jones.
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
by ElliotMatheny on May 30, 2009 4:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree.
But he’s a quality guy that the UFC could throw his way to build him up.
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
by ElliotMatheny on May 30, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
agree with elliotmatheny
getting past lyoto’s kicks, dirty stricking in the clinch and maybe a takedown seems like a sensible strategy against lyoto. (yes greco was prob his hardest fight)
even tough i’m excited about lyoto vs shogun, i don’t think shogun or anybody else is gonna be able to handle lyoto’s superior speed and technical skills. he wastes NO movement.
Lyoto has looked fantastic lately.
He’s always been VERY fast, but as of late, it seems that he’s improving his power as well.
Thiago Silva got dropped/ rocked several times, not to mention the diving punch from guard that put his lights out. Further, Rashad (who has a sturdy chin) got dropped rocked several times, before the short left cross put him down. And he’s looked like he’s been packing on more and more muscle, the right way (gradually).
Shogun is seriously going to have to bring his A- game, but I do give him a better shot than Rashad (at least Rashad in boxer- mode).
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
by ElliotMatheny on May 30, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m still under the firm belief that Shogun’s style doesn’t match up well with Machida at all. Just because he was able to muscle Liddell and a few other fighters to the floor, doesn’t mean he can implement that type of ground work against Machida or even remotely put himself in that position to submit Machida. His striking is good, but Machida’s style of striking is unreal.
Follow my analysis of all things MMA on BloodyElbow.com
by Leland Roling on May 29, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
yeah but I think shogun has the best chance out of any other LHW
shogun has wild kicks that will keep machida in check before trying to get on the inside. his striking is WAY better than rashad’s, and his bjj way better than machida’s. I think shogun will try to do some wild kicks and try to get machida off-balance that way, and try to take it to the ground and we’ll either see a one sided beating from machida on the stand up or a bjj war on the ground with shogun taking the best out of it. Yesterday I was bummed about this news because I have become a big machida fan throughout the past two years, and now I have to see him going against one of my favs. today I’m more pumped about the news though, and fuck it, shogun in the third by tko ground and pound!
and let's not forget
that Nakamura caught Machida with a leaping hook from way outside — Shogun has a great leaping hook.
"the spirit of your average dumbass with more overblown rhetoric" OR "the self-appointed savior of MMA"
I don’t think he has a chance that was any better than what Rashad had. Shogun’s wildness is going to get him countered, and his camp can talk all they want about the differences, but I don’t see any differences or secret little nuggets of skill that will counter Machida.
Wildness isn’t Machida’s crutch. In fact, I think a fighter coming in wild is going to get his head kicked or punched off quicker. I fail to see how Shogun’s striking is WAY BETTER than Rashad’s. What is this being based off of? I hope it isn’t based on Chuck not being able to keep his hands up and getting knocked out. Shogun has a different style of striking than Rashad. Most noticeably, Rashad throws quicker overhands and boxes with a lot of footwork. From what we’ve seen from the rejuvenated Shogun, he throws much more calculated blows from the distance. The real area we haven’t seen from Shogun is the resurgence of his Muay Thai. If that can come back, he has a solid chance of catching Machida in the clinch and holding it.
Again, I don’t see how Shogun’s BJJ is way better than Machida’s. Both are black belts, while Shogun’s black belt is probably much more celebrated. I still think Machida would hold his own on the floor, and it’s been proven that Shogun’s ground game isn’t unbelievable in regards to actually submitting opponents. He has definitely shown great skills in transitioning and putting guys in danger, but Machida will have the skills to counter it.
I still think Machida wins. Your scenario of Shogun being able to win the ground is possible though, but I don’t see Machida being beaten for a long time.
Follow my analysis of all things MMA on BloodyElbow.com
by Leland Roling on May 29, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
it's just an opinion
Shogun being better than rashad in striking and better than Machida in bjj is just a matter of opinion. Rashad has been training his boxing for the past 4 years and is usually on the loosing end of exchange until he can land overhand rights while shogun has trained muy thai since his early teens and has showcased his striking ability effectively against some of the sports best strikers… Machida got his bb in bjj a couple of years ago and has never entered a bjj competition is his life, where’s shogun has trained bjj since he was a little kid, and has entered various bjj competitions and won. Again, just a matter of opinion, but based on actual facts.
Shogun is at least taller and physically stronger than Rashad – his stature will mean it’s less dangerous for him to be closer to Machida, and he probably stands a better chance of tagging Machida in the face. He has a better kicking game too. All of these differences help him as compared with Rashad, but he may have his own problems to deal with vs. Machida.
I agree 100%
I think he has a chance against Machida, but Machida is one tough mofo. It’s going to be a great fight, I’ll take my chances on Shogun though just for being a bigger fan of his.
First, Shogun’s TDs aren’t “muscling” anyone to the floor. His technique is excellent, which is why he’s been so successful at TDs his whole career. Second, TDs and ground work are separate. Machida’s ground game once it gets to the floor is excellent. He’s extremely active and transitions as well as anyone.
How Shogun can implement his game remains to be seen, and IMO speed and striking defense are the biggest factors. But in terms of overall skills, Shogun has as many as any LHW, so we’ll see if he can solve Machida’s riddle.
Shogun has muscled guys to the floor in the past. It isn’t like he’s immune to what other fighters have to do in the cage. But you’re right, he has very solid technique. Of course, technique would also have to come with Machida making a mistake and getting tackled to the floor with ease, which probably won’t happen. Most people are discounting Machida’s transition game on the ground, and I’m glad it gets some mention here. He’s pretty fluid on the floor, so it’ll be interesting.
Follow my analysis of all things MMA on BloodyElbow.com
by Leland Roling on May 29, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
No, I never intimated that anyone was immune from what the other does. That was part of what I mentioned. The fact that Shogun excels at the types of TDs that Machida has been taken down by in the UFC is an interesting aspect. I wouldn’t say for sure that Shogun probably won’t get a TD. And while Machida’s ground game is good, I was mentioning Shogun’s transitions, which are very good. He’s shown great ground skills against many top LHWs in his career. A
by Hardcharger on May 29, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
People really are sleeping on Machida’s ground game.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
Really? Machida has the biggest hype train in recent memory right now. He deserves plenty of it, but the levels now are extreme in some cases.
I just hope it doesn’t get to BJ levels. Get it? BJ levels! ZING!
Seriosuly though BJ fans are pretty bad. Hopefully Machida fans aren’t as bad.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 29, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it is a matter of Shogun having better or worse striking than Machida. What looks like an advantage to me is the way in which Rua has always been able to get inside on his opponents. He usually gets either a body lock, clinch or one of his turtle roll leg locks and he is able to do all of those things from both an offensive and defensive posture. He has proven that he has power in both hands and a solid chin, couple those with an ability to submit Machida and i think you have a very dangerous opponent for the Champ.
by ronniebonnie on May 29, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
The Potential return of Tito Ortiz?
Is this a big thing. Are people rising up against the UFC to demand a return to Tito. Or is it just one asshole and Tito that are saying this. Tito’s time has come and gone.
Yeah I’m interested. He is the only one of Machida’s last four opponents that got even close to a victory. Also he more or less beat Rashad but got a point taken away
The 2005 Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix winner, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, earlier this week did indeed sign a bout agreement to challenge UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida, which will more than likely take place at UFC 104 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 24.
SuperLutas.com.br was able to confirm the rumored match up with sources close to the Brazilian’s camp.
mmamania
It's an interesting fight I'm not too surprised
But really iRampage-Shogun and Rampage-Machida are fights that make alot more sense. Rampage Evans is just building off a little bit of smack talk after the Jardine fight.
Oh well at least the title isn’t being held up so I’m not not gonna complain.
Food goes in here
Was there a grudge between Rua & Machida?
This just spells disaster for Rua just like it was for Silva & Evans.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
So… the winner is so obvious that we shouldn’t bother having the match? I think Shogun at the least would beg to differ.
And the grudge match I was referring to was Rashad-Rampage.
"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."
i like the smack talk pandanus
forrest beat page and then sugar beat forrest. and now sugar suddenly isn’t good enough to fight page? i dont get it.
I don’t think that Shogun’s chances are great, but I do think that one area people aren’t paying enough attention to is the ground. If this fight hits the ground, I wouldn’t be surprised to find that Shogun’s is good enough to cause Machida some real problems.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
Agreed...
No doubt that every fighter in the LHW division saw what happened to Rashad. There were really no attempts from Rashad to get Machida to the ground. Shogun’s camp has to realize that his improved technical striking will not be enough against Machida. I doubt Shogun can sub Machida on the ground but if he can tire him out w/takedowns he can steal rounds and possibly catch Machida w/something on his feet.
I was watching a replay of Machida/Evans the other night and I just kept thinking, “man, you have got to get this guy on the ground.” I am sure there are a lot of professional trainers out there feeling the same way.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on May 29, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
But you can’t just shoot and take the guy down, you have to set it up. I’m absolutely positive that Rashad wanted it on the ground and wanted to set it up, but his timing was always disrupted by Machida’s in and out. Chida was constantly staying at distance and got in for a blow but then was gone. I fail to see how Shad could’ve gotten Chida on the ground at all in that match. Just shooting from the outside would be a disaster.
One other thing. Comparing Machida to fights more than a year ago is useless. He’s improved so much since then, has really adapted to the cage, has added power, experience and quickness. It seems like every match he learns and applies every single lesson possible. Okay I’ll stop hanging on his nuts now.
I don’t suspect Shogun to take Machida down. However, if Machida follows Shogun down after rocking him like he did against Silva and Rashad or takes him down from the clinch like he did against Tito and tried to do against Rashad, he could find himself in some problems.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on May 29, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
LA or Boston would be sweet!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 29, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
LA or Boston would be sweet!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 29, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Shogun isn't getting out of the first round.
Okay, maybe that is a stretch. :)
I love Shogun and I think he’s a great fighter, but I don’t think chasing an aging and clearly shell-of-his-former-self-since-Rashad-decapitated-him Chuck is the same as chasing Machida around the ring. Shogun showed no fear of getting hit by Chuck, but Machida is a completely different beast. I think Machida will use his new found aggressiveness to basically jump in and pop Shogun with multiple punches before he even gets off one. I just have a hard time seeing Shogun win except what Leland pointed out could be his chance: in the clinch if his Muay Thai has come back. Personally, I’m still skeptical if the old Shogun is back. I would have liked to see at least another fight before he challenged the title. And even if the old Shogun were back, he’s always had so many holes in his stand-up that a technician like Machida would just dismantle him.
I love me some Sexyama!
Squash Match?
I think the UFC wants to showcase Machida a bit before selling big showdowns with Rampage, or Franklin/Cane (if they climb up the ranks). If you believe that Shogun in the UFC isn’t the threat he used to be, or that his aggressive style was taylor made for Machida’s counterpunching, then it’s a squash match. If Machida is indeed going to be champ for a long long time, then the UFC won’t be spending all of their big names on his first few defenses. Instead, his caliber of challenger will go up and down while they build other contenders, the TV show, and whatever other angles there may be.
Personally, I’m just going to enjoy watching him fight whoever.
Total squash.
Rua has only beaten retirees the last few years.
If you see Mark Coleman in person, drop $5 on the floor and watch the fun as he tries in vain to bend down and pick it up.
Time to load up the Shogun War Wagon. Who’s on board?
Keep firing Assholes!
This is a dream competition for me. I drink as much coffee as I want, and eventually I hallucinate.
I think he’ll lose but I might get onboard just because I think the “Machida’s unbeatable” hype is starting to reach critical levels…
"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."
Especially here on www.bloodymachidaelbow.com
jk guys XD
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 29, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
They’d change the name but it would take to long to design all new graphics featuring nothing but Machida’s face.
Actually, I can understand the hype and it’s not totally unwarranted. He really looks like he’s forcing MMA to evolve, just like the jiu jitsu guys, then the wrestlers, and then the “well rounded athletes” did. It’s really exciting. But he’ll lose at some point. No one goes undefeated.
"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."
And I’ll give the obvious response to myself before anyone else does: Fedor. Okay, ALMOST no one goes undefeated.
"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 29, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahem…
WAR SHOGUN!!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 29, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I love Machida and am actually a partail fan of all the top light heavies right now: Lyoto,Shogun,Rampage,Rashad,Forrest idk what Cane and Franklin will have to offer in the future.
But I doubt want a champion that nobody can touch I need some vulnerability in my champ,some intirgue.So i hope he slips up like GSP did against Serra and then we can have an epic Shogun/Rampage showdown followed by the winner fighting Griffin/Cane and then Lyoto can come back like GSP take the crown back and mow thru Rampage/Cane/Griffin/Franklin/Evans/Shogun.
this all leads to a showdown w/ Bones Jones….
in a perfect world at least :(,im a dreamer.
so yeah WAR SHOGUN
alot of shogun fanboys on here. Theres no way he deserves a title shot. Beating a shell of chuck by no means earns you a title shot.
no but being once considered the best light heavyweight in the world and winning the 2005 Pride tournament along with knocking out Rampage within 5 minutes and breaking 3 of his ribs.
He was legitimately injured in the griffin fight and out of shape against coleman.and griffin is no joke.
now he should’ve still done much better in those showing.but i think his past accomplishments,the impressive win over chuck, and the fact that every other top light heavyweight contender is locked up for a fight(rampage/.evans,forrest/anderson,) who would you have lyoto fight?
i dont think luiz arthur cane,rich franklin, and jon jones are worhty or ready yet?
so answer,who right now is available to fight lyoto by october/december as lyoto stated that he wants to stay busy.
if somebody said hey i have a 27 yr old former #1 fighter in the world available im sure you wouldn’t hear too much argument from dana.
By that rationale:
Wanderlei.
If you see Mark Coleman in person, drop $5 on the floor and watch the fun as he tries in vain to bend down and pick it up.
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