Chuck Liddel's next opponent . . . SHOGUN!

**jsampras3** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 12:04am

From Sherdog.com

Friday, February 01, 2008
by Gleidson Venga

Mauricio Rua has signed to fight Chuck Liddel the Brazilian told Sherdog.com.

"The fight against Liddell is confirmed," Rua said. "I signed the contract yesterday. Now I am going to train hard, focused on him, to represent my new team, Universidade da Luta, and my country. The fight is going to be in June."

Rua, 16-3, debuted in the UFC in September 2007 after a career in Pride that had earned him a reputation as one of the best light heavyweights in the world. However, Forrest Griffin upset "Shogun" at UFC 76, submitting him with a rear-naked choke in the third round.

The Brazilian left the storied Chute Boxe camp last year. He recently returned to training after knee surgery and is in the process of establishing a new team with his brother, Murilo Rua.

In December, Liddell defeated the Rua brothers' former Chute Boxe teammate Wanderlei Silva via unanimous decision. The long-awaited fight was seen as a critical victory for "The Iceman." He had lost two bouts in a row before bouncing back with the decisive win over Silva.

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As a still proud Shogun Nutrider, I am psyched! I have no idea what happened against Forrest, but this is a huge fight for Shogun, and if he wins he's right back in the mix at 205.

What do you guys think about this? I am really not sure. Chuck just beat up Wanderlei, but I thought Wanderlei did not really fight the smartest fight. I really have no idea where Shogun's head is at, and why he gassed vs Forrest, but if he trains harder and gets his head on straight, I think he can get his old form back.

Discuss!

**gojuJKDdude** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 10:30am

I would have liked chuck to fight Jardine first. I heard Chuck say that the winner of liddel v shogun would fight the winner of forrest v Rampage. That doesen't seem fair seeing as Jardine has beaten both Forrest and Chuck recently.

**Shawarma** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 10:33am

Based on their respective performances recently, I believe Liddel will win, even though it pains me to say so.

**hoodedmonk** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 1:26pm

Chuck > shogun

**Lars** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 3:08pm

Originally Posted by jsampras3

The Brazilian left the storied Chute Boxe camp last year.

Heh. Guess how I misread that sentence.

**chi-conspiricy** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 3:20pm

Originally Posted by hoodedmonk

Chuck > shogun

Greater at windmilling? Greater at leaving his face open to punches? Even if Shogun can't hit as hard as Liddell, he's much better overall.

**The Question** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 4:32pm

Shogun by referee stoppage due to anal rape.

**Kentucky Fried Chokin** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 10:20pm

It depends if Shogun is going to train for this, unlike his fight with Forest.

Does anyone know anything about this new team, Universidade da Luta, like who's on it (besides the Rua brothers)?

**Vince Tortelli** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 10:38pm

Originally Posted by The Question

Shogun by referee stoppage due to anal rape.

So the guy loses to reality TV star Forrest Griffin, and you think he will beat Chuck (who, as you apparently forgot, beat the snot out of his surrogate father Wanderlei).

Chuck, via once again exposing the Chute Box myth.

**chi-conspiricy** · Posted On: 2/03/2008 11:29pm

Originally Posted by Vince Tortelli

So the guy loses to reality TV star Forrest Griffin, and you think he will beat Chuck (who, as you apparently forgot, beat the snot out of his surrogate father Wanderlei).

Chuck, via once again exposing the Chute Box myth.

Like Rampage, who they both raped, exposing the Liddell myth? Chuck definitely earned his win on points, but Chuck was the only one put on his ass by strikes. Not exactly "beat the snot out of" material. If Shogun actually comes in shape, he is MUCH better rounded than Liddell is. Shogun has a lot more to his game than great sprawl + powerful overhand. Hopefully he puts Liddell through some clinch action, the kind of Rampage killing stuff Wandy seemed to forget.