Maurício Shogun admits that he felt unmotivated in his training

M.Shogun (photo) will face Henderson in Natal. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Mauritius Shogun confessed that he lacked motivation in training while preparing for his fights in his hometown, Curitiba. The former UFC and PRIDE GP champion recently moved his training location to São Paulo, alongside other UFC athletes such as Demian Maia e Daniel sarafian.

In an interview with the official UFC website, Shogun stated that his motivation was renewed as soon as he made the decision to move to the southeast. “I've always been with great coaches, but I lacked more motivation. With the training in São Paulo, the motivation appeared, because I became just another person on the mat”, said the fighter. “In Curitiba, the coaches were hired by me and focused only on me. Now, in São Paulo, I have good athletes, like Demian Maia e Daniel sarafian, who help me in training”, he continued.

This Sunday (23), Shogun will make the long-awaited rematch against Dan Henderson, who defeated him in a close and eventful fight in 2011. Precisely because he has already faced the North American, Shogun believes he will be more comfortable in the new fight. “I'm feeling better this time, as I know his fighting style well. It's easier for me to impose my fighting rhythm. I will always look for the knockout, regardless of whether I am winning the fight. If I have the opportunity, I will knock him out in the first round,” he said.

The fight between Shogun and Henderson will be the main attraction at UFC Fight Night 39, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. In addition to the former UFC belt owner, two TUF Brazil winners will also be highlights of the night. Cezar Mutant faces CB Dollaway, and Leonardo Santos faces Norman Parke.

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