M.Rua (photo) also wants to be a coach for TUF Brasil. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Despite already having his next Ultimate appointment scheduled, in front of Chael Sonnen on the 17th of August, Mauritius Shogun remains firm in its intention to face it again Rogério Minotouro. In an interview with the “Sensei” program, on the subscription channel SporTV, Shogun commented on the fight, which had to be canceled due to an injury suffered by Minotouro.
“It was a fight that I wanted, he wanted and all the fans wanted. I hope he recovers soon and this fight happens. Who knows at the end of the year. Minotouro deserves all my respect, as an athlete and a person. Injury is a tough thing and we will definitely face each other again. He's a guy who's going to fight for a long time to come, so am I and we're going to cross paths. I hope he recovers soon to fight me or whoever. He is an MMA legend and deserves all my respect,” said the former UFC light heavyweight champion.
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Minotouro and Shogun would face each other at UFC 161, which took place on June 15th. The fight, however, ended up not happening due to an injury suffered by brother Nogueira. The confrontation would mark the rematch of one of the most acclaimed fights in MMA history, when the two faced each other in the quarterfinals of the 2005 PRIDE GP. On that occasion, Maurício Rua won by unanimous decision from the judges.
Shogun also commented on his desire to coach a future edition of the The Ultimate Fighter Brazil. “I have this desire to be one of the TUF coaches. The interesting thing about teachers is to show the philosophy of martial art and show that there is respect between opponents. I respect Minotouro, Lyoto, anyone who fights. I want to show this to people at home. That we are professionals and not wild animals”, he revealed.
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Mauritius Shogun will face Chael Sonnen in the main fight of UFC on FOX Sports 1, on August 17th, at TD Garden in Boston (USA). The night of fights marks the beginning of the series of Ultimate events on the new channel of the media group that is its partner in the United States.
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