Many U.S. fans have longed for it and in September Chute Boxe fighter Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will finally make his debut in the UFC.
When he steps foot in the Octagon on September 22nd, Shogun will face one of the more popular fighters that has emerged from The Ultimate Fighter reality series and made a name for himself as a contender in the light heavyweight division, Forrest Griffin.
In Griffin, Shogun not only faces a popular fighter, like himself, that is adept both on his feet and on the ground. It has been highly speculated that the winner of the fight could quite possibly get the next title shot against the winner of September 8th’s battle in London between UFC Champion Quinton Jackson and Pride Champion Dan Henderson.
In an exclusive interview with MMAWeekly’s Brazilian correspondent, Ivan Canello, Shogun talked extensively about the fight with Griffin, but also about his UFC contract, a possible move to the United States and what his goals are as he enters the Octagon.
"The belt is my goal, it's a dream, but first I have to face Griffin. I have done a lot of things in MMA, but I know that I have a lot more to do,” said Shogun.
If he does get past Griffin on September 22nd, Shogun said he has no preference on who he fights if he does realize his dream to fight for the UFC belt saying, “I am a professional athlete, I don't care who my opponent is. I will face anybody.”
When he steps foot in the Octagon on September 22nd, Shogun will face one of the more popular fighters that has emerged from The Ultimate Fighter reality series and made a name for himself as a contender in the light heavyweight division, Forrest Griffin.
In Griffin, Shogun not only faces a popular fighter, like himself, that is adept both on his feet and on the ground. It has been highly speculated that the winner of the fight could quite possibly get the next title shot against the winner of September 8th’s battle in London between UFC Champion Quinton Jackson and Pride Champion Dan Henderson.
In an exclusive interview with MMAWeekly’s Brazilian correspondent, Ivan Canello, Shogun talked extensively about the fight with Griffin, but also about his UFC contract, a possible move to the United States and what his goals are as he enters the Octagon.
"The belt is my goal, it's a dream, but first I have to face Griffin. I have done a lot of things in MMA, but I know that I have a lot more to do,” said Shogun.
If he does get past Griffin on September 22nd, Shogun said he has no preference on who he fights if he does realize his dream to fight for the UFC belt saying, “I am a professional athlete, I don't care who my opponent is. I will face anybody.”