Shogun (photo) has his second consecutive fight in Brazil. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Considered by many as one of the greatest talents in the history of MMA, Mauritius Shogun He is experiencing difficult days these days. Former UFC and UFC light heavyweight champion Grand Prix from the extinct PRIDE, the Curitiba native has been alternating triumphs and setbacks and has four defeats and just two wins in his last six fights. This Saturday (08), Shogun will have the chance to rehabilitate himself in the main fight of UFC Fight Night 56, which takes place in the city of Uberlândia (MG) and marks the octagon's debut in the Triângulo Mineiro.
Shogun's opponent in this challenge will be the North American of Haitian descent Ovince St Preux, which also comes from defeat – for Ryan bader, in August this year. St. Preux was promoted to the main event a few days ago after original opponent Jimi Manuwa was cut. For the Brazilian, the change represents a stark difference in styles, with Manuwa being an athlete with a greater vocation for fighting on the feet while St. Preux is based on wrestling.
A victory is even more important for Mauritius Shogun as the former champion should be in the spotlight in the coming months, when he will occupy, alongside Anderson Silva, the role of coach on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 4 – which will be shown on Brazilian TV from April next year. However, despite the big commitment already made, Shogun said he will only focus on the reality show after the fight against St. Preux.
Lineker and McCall duel with an eye on the belt
If the main fight of UFC Uberlândia marks the search for the recovery of a former champion, the co-main event of the night will put two athletes face to face who are looking for a chance to compete for the title for the first time. The Ultimate organization has not yet confirmed, but it is likely that the winner of the duel between Brazilian John Lineker and North American Ian McCall will be the next challenger to the flyweight champion. Demetrious Johnson.
McCall has a history of rivalry with Johnson, against whom he drew and was later defeated in the tournament that defined the inaugural champion of the 57 kg division. Lineker, currently sixth in the official rankings, has been collecting good results, but at the same time he has had problems making weight – which could be a big problem if he were to fight for the belt. At the weigh-in in Uberlândia, the Brazilian failed to reach the weight limit on his first attempt, but was successful on the second.
Check out the complete UFC Fight Night 56 card below, which takes place this Saturday (08) from 22:30 pm, in Uberlândia (MG):
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Mauritius Shogun x Ovince St Preux;
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Ian McCall x John lineker;
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Warlley alves x Alan Jouban;
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Claudius Hannibal x Leon edwards;
Straw weight (up to 52 kg): Juliana Lima x Nina ansaroff.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Featherweight (up to 66 kg): Diego Rivas x Rodolfo Rubio;
Average weight (up to 84 kg): Gaius Monster x Trevor Smith;
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Dhiego Limax Jorge Blade;
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Leandro Buscapé x Charlie Brenneman;
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Thomas almeida x Tim Gorman;
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Wagnão Silva x Colby covington.
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