Shogun shows off his belt at Bitetti Combat. Photo: Carlos Ozório
Far from Las Vegas, in Brazil, there was a special television viewer watching last Saturday’s broadcast of UFC 114. The promotion’s light heavyweight champion, Maurício Shogun, paid special attention to the bout between Rashad Evans and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Before the proceedings, UFC president Dana White would announce the Brazilian’s next challenger would be the winner of this matchup.
Evans saw the better of the action during the three rounds and conquered his shot at Shogun and the opportunity to take back the belt that was once his.
“I feel Rashad Evans is a great athlete. He kept his distance against Rampage. Rashad was truly superior,” Shogun told GRACIEMAG.com.
Had Jackson won, Maurícion would have had the chance to face an opponent he knocked out back in 2005, at the Pride FC GP where he won his first title. As it was Rashad who triumphed, the Curitiba native will have to face an opponent with different characteristics.
“He’s a dangerous fighter, has heavy hands. It would be a tough fight for anybody,” says Shogun, who reminds us nothing is set in stone yet.
“Nothing is confirmed yet; nothing’s been signed. But I do believe it will be Rashad. As soon as Dana White confirms it I’ll start working on a strategy,” he says in finishing.