Shogun Rua Parts Ways with Andre Dida, Brings In New Coaching Staff For Nogueira Fight

Shogun Rua has had an up-and-down career since joining the UFC, the former Pride FC wrecking machine has had injury trouble, poor cardio and lackluster performances. On the other side of the coin, he beat Chuck Liddell, Griffin and KO’d Machida to claim the UFC Light-Heavyweight title.

After Rua’s most recent loss, a subpar showing against the surging Alexander Gustafsson, it seems the Brazilian knockout artist is going to switch things up a bit. Rua revealed to Sherdog.com that he will be changing from coach Andre Dida to a whole new team, led by Kareteka and K-1 champ Glaube Feitosa.

“Glaube is an excellent teacher, He can convey information very clearly, and he’s already seen my game. We have a very good sintony. I already worked with him and he’s always been very good, so the expectations are the best possible with my new coach.”

Among the new team will be sparring partner Luiz Cane who faced Nogueira during his stint in the UFC. Glaube Feitosa, for those of you who don’t know, was the 2005 K-1 champion and is an accomplished Karate Master. Hopefully his experience in Karate will have an influence on Rua’s training, Rua’s natural style of Muay Thai brawler is a little bit dated now. Alexander Gustaffson easily handled Rua, and this may be Shogun’s last roll of the dice, so he needs to be more technical.

UFC 161 will play host to the Rua vs. Lil Nog rematch, and I really hope Rua is fit and properly trained for their second meeting. If it is anything like their first match I’m sure it will be a barn burner. It seems Shogun is taking this fight very seriously, going as far as seeking the training of Freddie Roach to improve his boxing in February of this year.

“I made the most of my training in the United States,” Shogun said. “I’m always evolving, and I’ll repeat these experiences whenever possible. Every fight, I try to be a better fighter, and that’s exactly what will happen in June.”

Rua’s manager Leanordo Salomao also had his say on the matter:

“We’ll rely on the work of Glaube to pass along his fight knowledge. The other coaches will come to Curitiba in early May, and the final preparation will be intense. Shogun will be in top shape to battle on June 15, just wait.”

I.Can’t.Wait….Stay tuned to Lowkick!