Shogun against Lyoto. Photo: Josh Hedges
After beating Lyoto Machida at UFC 113, securing the light heavyweight belt, Maurício Shogun is the most-talked-about MMA fighter right now. Stars like UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, who faces James Toney at UFC 118, despite having praise for the Brazilian, is already eying the Curitiba native’s belt.
“Great performance from Rua. I’d love to get a shot at him after Toney, in August. Maybe in October, UFC 120,” tweeted Couture.
The next one’s already been confirmed, though. Two ex-champions, just like Couture, will go toe to toe for a shot at Shogun. The next challenger will come from the bout between Rashad Evans and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, at UFC 114.
“Dana White already said it would be between those two. It’ll be a tough fight against either of them, that’s for sure. Both are top-tier fighters, and it’ll be a great fight against either of them,” Shogun told GRACIEMAG.com.
The current champion has already beaten Jackson in the past, at the Pride GP of 2005, which he went on to win. Even so, he doesn’t prefer a fight with one or the other.
“Truth is, I have no preference. I can’t think about opponents I want to fight. Whoever it may be, I’ll be happy. I just can’t be left without an opponent! I’ll be stoked to fight either of the two; they’re great fighters and it will be a good fight,” he says in finishing.