M. Shogun (photo) faces P. Craig in the UFC 255. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
One of those responsible for spreading MMA around the world, Mauritius Shogun is back. At 38 years old, the Curitiba native will face Paul Craig No. UFC 255, this Saturday (21), and will try to prove the good phase of his career. In an interview with 'Combate', the Brazilian was realistic when talking about the belt, analyzed his weekend opponent and rejected the 'old man' label.
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Against Craig, Maurício will repeat a confrontation held just over a year ago, in UFC Sao Paulo. On that occasion, the Brazilian drew with his opponent in one of the event's busiest fights. Shogun then evaluated the first confrontation and drew up plans to avoid the same situation.
“I thought I won that fight. Everyone I talked to also thought I won. But we don't have that control over the result. Now it's another fight, another moment, I know that the Paul Craig you will come well prepared. But it will be another fight. He's a big, tall guy who really likes jiu-jitsu, feels comfortable underneath, likes the ground. I already knew him from the other fight, now I studied his game again. I know it's going to be a tough fight. He’s a tough, young guy,” said Maurício.
A professional in MMA since 2002, Shogun also commented on the 'old man' label placed by some people. Legend of the extinct Pride, the 38-year-old from Curitiba explained why he rejected the adjective.
“I'm one of the last people from Pride still fighting. But people don't understand that I started Pride very early. I was only 23 years old. Now I'm 38, but I don't consider myself an old guy. There are people who were at their peak at 40, like (Fabrício) Werdum and Demian (Maia). It's up to each person. I've never been as good in the UFC as I am now. In the last seven fights, I won five, drew one and lost one. Since I joined the UFC in 2009 I haven't been doing so well. I think people pick on me a little because they saw me fighting from Pride until now. But it’s a very personal choice for each person, this business of stopping,” he explained.
Ultimate light heavyweight champion between 2010 and 2011, Maurício, is now 14th in the rankings, one position ahead of his weekend opponent. Far from the top 5, the Brazilian was realistic when commenting on his chances of returning to fight for the belt and adopted a 'feet on the ground' stance when dealing with the future.
“I'm not thinking about a belt, but I know that based on my history, maybe it would shorten my path to get there. But I don't really think about that now, I think about Paul Craig. After the fight I'll see what I think, but my focus now is 100% on him. And I have to be humble in recognizing that there are people who deserve this chance more than me”, he concluded.
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