SHOGUN SIGNS TO FACE CHUCK LIDDELL

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SHOGUN SIGNS TO FACE CHUCK LIDDELL
Friday, February 01, 2008 - by Al Yu - MMAWeekly.com

Former Pride Grand Prix champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua has signed a contract to face former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. Sources close to MMAWeekly confirmed that the fight will take place in either May or June, but more than likely at the next event in London, which Ultimate Fighting Championship officials have already said would be June 14 at the O2 Arena.

The UFC has been the subject of much speculation in regards to negotiating a broadcast network television deal. Although nothing has been announced, in a recent media conference call, UFC vice president of operations and productions Craig Borsari indicated that they were hopeful that they could have something in place for the June event in London.

Once considered the top 205-pound fighter in the world, Shogun saw most of his success in Pride Fighting Championships. The former Chute Boxe fighter holds wins over notable opponents such as Alistair Overeem, Kevin Randleman, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Ricardo Arona and the current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson. In his long awaited Octagon debut at UFC 67, Rua was submitted by Ultimate Fighter winner Forrest Griffin.

Liddell is coming off one of the most significant victories of his career with an exciting unanimous victory over Rua’s former teammate Wanderlei Silva. The much-needed win ended a two-fight losing streak for the “Iceman.”

The bout was first speculated when Liddell told Sport Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim, when questioned about his next opponent, “Possibly Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. That's what they're saying. If it's the June fight, it will probably be in London. But my trainer is trying to get it moved to Vegas.”

[souldrum71]

This should be a good match-up. Shogun is a heck of a fighter, and, if Liddell hasn't been visiting too many strip clubs lately, Chuck is a lot of fun to watch fighting.

[Hammerman]

Good luck, Chuck.

[Wyatt]

If I'm the UFC, I'm thinking Chuck vs. Shogun and Forrest vs. Rampage. Chuck beats Shogun and Rampage beats Forrest. No do we jump the gun right away and have Chuck vs. Rampage III? OR do we do a Chuck vs. Forrest first hoping that Chuck beats Forrest and then moves on to Rampage? Either way, it looks like they may be trying to line Chuck up for another crack at the title and will continue to disregard that little bump in the road known as Keith Jardine.

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If Chuck beats Shogun and Rampage beats Forrest, I'd say Chuck gets another shot at the title. He's not getting any younger and he deserves another chance against Rampage before too late.

[souldrum71]

I have yet to see the first Jackson/Liddell UFC match, and it's about to drive me crazy. But, yeah, complete is right. He deserves another shot before his body can't take the abuse anymore.

[TKDaddict]

this could be the match of the year. i really hope it happens.

[AntonM]

If its gona be in UK at the o2 im gona be well pleased as its in my backgarden

[SiDeWiNdEr]

Come on Chuck, hopefully he'll train and fight like he can

[ericjones80]

Originally Posted by souldrum71

I have yet to see the first Jackson/Liddell UFC match, and it's about to drive me crazy. But, yeah, complete is right. He deserves another shot before his body can't take the abuse anymore.

Give YouTube a check....theyre usually good for having fights up. And Sidewinder....if the same Shogun that fought Forrest shows up to fight Chuck, Chuck doesn't even have to train to beat him haha.

[souldrum71]

Originally Posted by ericjones80

Give YouTube a check....theyre usually good for having fights up.

Already checked YouTube, but that fight had been taken off already.

[TKDaddict]

MMALinker.com: Online MMA Videos

and look for liddell hope that helped.

[souldrum71]

Thanks for the link, TKDaddict. I can't believe I waited so long to see something so anti-climactic. It looked like the weight of Chuck's gut was pulling him down to the mat after the punch.