M. Shogun wants to return to the cage between August or September 2021. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Without fighting since November 2020, Mauritius Shogun is ready to return to the Ultimate Octagon. In an interview with ‘Combat’, the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) is recovering from an arm injury, but says he wants to fight in August or September this year.
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“In the last fight I injured my arm, so I slowly returned to training. My arm is getting better and better, it's improved a lot, but I still can't train 100% in grappling and wrestling. Little by little I'm pushing harder. (…), in August or September, is the objective I have with my team. And I don't think about the opponent, my manager takes care of that with the UFC. It’s in his hands, I’ve never been much involved in that part”, declares Shogun.
At 39 years old, the Brazilian lives each fight as if it were the last of his career. When asked about a possible retirement, he aims to have two more fights in Ultimate.
“Yes, the goal is at most two more. I don't consider myself an old guy. I train well and spar well with everyone. There are athletes over 40 who are doing well, like Demian Maia and the Fabricio Werdum. The biggest difficulty I had in my career was injuries. So I value my post-fight health and that's why I'm thinking about doing a maximum of two more”, concluded the fighter.
A professional in MMA since 2002, Shogun is considered one of the biggest names in the extinct Pride. In Ultimate, the Brazilian also left his mark. Between 2010 and 2011, the Curitiba native held the linear light-heavyweight belt (up to 93kg), losing the position when he faced Jon Jones.
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