M.Shogun (photo) celebrates victory over J.Te Huna. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Mauritius Shogun, one of the greatest light heavyweight fighters in MMA history, has gone through a long period of instability since arriving in the UFC. In recent years, the fighter has practically alternated victories and defeats, and in his last fight, he lost to Dan Henderson by technical knockout in a fight in which he dominated.
However, Shogun, still young at 32 years old, ruled out any chance of retiring from MMA despite his poor run of results. “That’s up to each person. As long as I want to fight and the UFC wants me in the event [I will continue fighting]. The UFC never considered [retirement] for me, they just encourage me to continue fighting, so for me it's fine. I do what I love and I don’t think about retiring for now”, said the former UFC champion, in an interview with the “Tatame” magazine website.
Regarding the fight with Henderson, Shogun avoided making excuses and praised the work done by his rival. “Unfortunately I took a blow to the nose and that was when the fight stopped. I was good in the fight, it almost ended twice, so that makes it even more frustrating for us. But the Dan Henderson He's a guy who deserves all the respect, he's a legend in MMA, and it happens. MMA is the sport that grows the most because of this, it is very unpredictable, so it's time to move forward”, commented the man from Paraná, who, after the fight, underwent nose surgery.
“I already had a deviated septum, so I was going to have surgery before the fight. And, in the fight, I broke my nose, so I took advantage and had both surgeries. I already killed two birds with one shot”, explained the athlete, who is still resting and should return to training next week.
Shogun also did not rule out the possibility of moving down to the middleweight division (84 kg), despite believing that losing weight would not be easy. “I never thought about it, but if my team wants me to download it, I will. I know it will be difficult, but if my team thinks it is viable, it is in their hands,” he said.
Shogun, about the fight between Wanderlei and Sonnen on TUF: 'Unnecessary'
Wand (left) and Sonnen (right) fought during TUF Brasil. Photo: Instagram/Reproduction
Mauritius Shogun also gave his opinion on the confusion caused by Wanderlei Silva e Chael Sonnen at the recordings of TUF Brasil 3. The fighter, a close friend of Wanderlei and former opponent of Sonnen, said he already expected something like this to happen, but disapproved of the episode. “Whoever is in the middle knows this would happen. Wanderlei and Sonnen have already kissed each other on the street several times. I think it was unnecessary confusion. They are going to fight, so they need to show that inside the octagon”, he assessed.
Shogun also commented on the attitude of André Dida, who was expelled from TUF after attacking Sonnen from behind during the confusion. “As for Dida, we have been friends since we were children. In that moment, in a matter of seconds, you act with your heart, not with your reason. He had to separate. But he knows he made a mistake,” he guessed.
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