Shogun Rua: I am working towards beating Jon Jones in a rematch
Posted on July 30, 2012, 12:48 PM by Mike DrahotaIt was recently announced that the man who wins most impressively amongst the two headlining Light Heavyweight bouts at UFC on Fox 4 will find himself in line for the next title shot versus the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson. While this may have come as a bit of a surprise to many, it may also make the most sense for the UFC in terms of drawing power and excitement, something the promotion has been lacking recently. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is set to face Brandon Vera in the main event this Saturday, August 4th, and spoke to Yahoo.com about his title aspirations and a possible rematch with Jon Jones. He made his plans clear by saying:
“That's the fight I want. I want my title back. I think he is much easier to study Jon Jones now... last time the guy was a brand new style in the UFC. Now we've seen him fight other guys and have more information what he's going to do in the Octagon. I am working towards beating him in a rematch.”
After all, Jones did wrest the title from Shogun in a returning bout from ACL surgery for Rua. Perhaps we did not see the best version of Shogun that night in early 2011, but Jones was no doubt on point that evening. Shogun may bring an interesting point to light, noting that Jones was a largely unstudied animal and no one had figured him out to that point. However, no one has figured out the enigma of Jones to this day. His fight with legend Dan Henderson September 1st may gauge how great he truly is, but for now he looks almost unbeatable. Rua continued on, commenting on his huge opportunity come Saturday:
“I was very excited to hear that from Dana. From what I understand I have to be impressive and that is very motivating for me to put on a huge victory and beat Brandon Vera. It will be a great Muay Thai war!”
Shogun Rua appears ready for what appears to be a chance at another shot at the UFC 205 lb. crown. He has always been one of the most exciting fighters in MMA, with serious injuries being his only detractor. Former rival Lyoto Machida will fight Ryan Bader in the co-main event on Saturday, perhaps notching another shot at Jones should he win impressively with a Henderson loss as well. Machida is noting for being the only man to win a round from Jones, hitting him cleanly but ultimately being choked unconscious. One thing is for certain, Jon Jones is quickly cleaning out his division. That could all change with one H-Bomb on the night of September 1st, but the odds are against it. A Shogun vs. Henderson rematch for the title would be huge as well. Who will face the winner of Jones vs. Henderson? Who stands the best chance of dethroning the dominant Jones?
Further Reading: Does Rua, Machida, or Bader deserve a title shot with an impressive victory?
It was recently announced that the man who wins most impressively amongst the two headlining Light Heavyweight bouts at UFC on Fox 4 will find himself in line for the next title shot versus the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson. While this may have come as a bit of a surprise to many, it may also make the most sense for the UFC in terms of drawing power and excitement, something the promotion has been lacking recently. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is set to face Brandon Vera in the main event this Saturday, August 4th, and spoke to Yahoo.com about his title aspirations and a possible rematch with Jon Jones. He made his plans clear by saying:
“That's the fight I want. I want my title back. I think he is much easier to study Jon Jones now... last time the guy was a brand new style in the UFC. Now we've seen him fight other guys and have more information what he's going to do in the Octagon. I am working towards beating him in a rematch.”
After all, Jones did wrest the title from Shogun in a returning bout from ACL surgery for Rua. Perhaps we did not see the best version of Shogun that night in early 2011, but Jones was no doubt on point that evening. Shogun may bring an interesting point to light, noting that Jones was a largely unstudied animal and no one had figured him out to that point. However, no one has figured out the enigma of Jones to this day. His fight with legend Dan Henderson September 1st may gauge how great he truly is, but for now he looks almost unbeatable. Rua continued on, commenting on his huge opportunity come Saturday:
“I was very excited to hear that from Dana. From what I understand I have to be impressive and that is very motivating for me to put on a huge victory and beat Brandon Vera. It will be a great Muay Thai war!”
Shogun Rua appears ready for what appears to be a chance at another shot at the UFC 205 lb. Crown. He has always been one of the most exciting fighters in MMA, with serious injuries being his only detractor. Former rival Lyoto Machida will fight Ryan Bader in the co-main event on Saturday, perhaps notching another shot at Jones should he win impressively with a Henderson loss as well. Machida is noting for being the only man to win a round from Jones, hitting him cleanly but ultimately being choked unconscious. One thing is for certain, Jon Jones is quickly cleaning out his division. That could all change with one H-Bomb on the night of September 1st, but the odds are against it. Who will face the winner of Jones vs. Henderson? Who stands the best chance of dethroning the dominant Jones?
Comments
He can study all the tape he wants... the fact remains Jones dominated him for three rounds. If he gets another title shot after Jones takes out Hendo.... he is going to take another beating. The kid is still evolving as a fighter and Shogun is coming to the end of his career IMO.
I can't see him taking the belt away from Jones.........
It Depends if He is in shape or not last time he was Fat shogun and he got pumped. Like seriously he got destroyed it was rly sad, yeah the guy can take a punch but look how hendo f'd him up too hes takin alot of punishment lately
Let just wait till the Jones vs Hendo fight before we make predictions
I agree. I would like to see machida vs Shogun 3 if those 2 wins. I dont know if Shogun would win against the super in shape Machida that fought Jones .
He can have see fight for days ha! Will can no win on Jones *facepolm* Can no bad Rua sleep or tap 3st found will can no to get fight on ground and Jones reech to long Rua long to but not good for to get on hand for face on Jones. Can see for days in he not for get good to have and fight get to many shots. *facepolm* :-) =
He could win maybe if he fights with strategy in mind. He could take out jones legs and then most of the diversity that jones shows would be lost..every step would be painful and punches lose their force.If shogun uses not only his shin to strike but all parts of his leg and foot, he could easily score many attacks on jones legs.
That's really his best strategy,but we all know people are far more likely to lunge in at jones hoping to knock him out with one punch.Wonder why noone can figure him out? If Dans cardio isn't tip top this time around he might as well not even show up.
In shape, outa shape, oval shape it doesn't matter he won't be nothing more than a punching bag for Bones again. Get past that dumptruck Vera first , if he can do that.
.....And I'm working towards my second million dollars. We all dream Shogun. Jones IS much easier to study, because he's fought longer now, but he's no easier to beat, and if anything, harder.
Funniest thing is the top 4 LHW fighters on this card all got their A$SES handed to them by Jones, and they all think if they win they deserve anoher shot. Too funny. Back of the line, boys.
Somehow in their mind even after devastating losses, they think they will have the answer to beat Jones. It probably will never happpen because Jones is a very defensive and smart fighter. He doesnt let himself take many chances that might cost him...
The problem is, who's at the top of the line? I don't see a Jones - Gustaffson showdown as a marketable pay-per-view after the recent swings and misses.
Shogun is one of my favorite fighters, but I can't see him beating Jones anytime soon.
It's undeniable that Jones is the LHW king, but I think a "balls to the wall" Shogun could give him trouble. Machida showed us the proper strategy before getting choked out, and I feel both he and Shogun are the only 2 in the division who have a chance of taking Jones out.
Hendo should never be wrote off
True. A Hendo knockout over Jones then a Shogun rematch with the title on the line would be HUGE for MMA. Mix things up a little bit too.
I don't think he's got a shot in hell, but you gottta love the heart/balls.
HEART BALLS ARE THE BEST!!! LOVE THEM!!
Jones looked shaky after getting hit by machida, which means there is a hope of hendo winning. If hendo did win via H bomb then i think it would make him the GOAT. Plus i agree that Hendo vs Rua 2 for the title would be one of the most anticipated matches of all time!
Pretty sure Evans had him Rocked as well and lasted the to it's entirety yet we fail to mention that.
Possibly because no one like Rashad?
Yea people are biased. Rashads strategy should have been to throw kicks as well. Unlike shogun, rashad isn't used to throwing kicks in his fights
Good point - unfortunately Hendo isn't one for kicks either. Maybe that is something that AS would be able to do if they ever were to fight - which at this point doesn't seem possible.
Either way all the best to Hendo and he should not be looked past.
I'm not a big Rashad fan but I think he should try one more time at the LHW belt - his fight with Jones didn't look all that different than him in Davis except he was on the lossing end. All I'm saying is he has something to build on there.
His chances are slim but this is the fight i have been wanting to see for a while now. In the first fight Shogun got caught with that flying knee and never recovered the whole fight, it was just heart that kept him in it for so long. and i am still surprised no one has focused on JJ`s legs more. which maybe shogun will this time round. he is the only guy with the powerful versatile striking that could hurt JJ.
Hendo isn't really all that well known for his leg kicks.
Anything can happen in MMA and Shogun is an all time warrior but IMO he hasn't shown anything to hint at a rematch with Bones Jones going differently from the first one.
Shogun hasn't shown much improvement since his dethroning, except in cardio perhaps, while Jon's game has evolved in to one of the best and unstoppable skillsets in MMA history.
I barely give Shogun a chance in a rematch.
I like both guys, Jones is amazing and would be nice to see Shogun give him a run for his money...I would be also nice if Hendo gave him a run for his money...someone pls give him a run for his money!!!
If he really wants a title shot why is he refusing harder fights and taking on fighters like Vera who are all but forgotten by better competition??