Rafael Cordeiro opens the door to training again Maurício Shogun: 'I would really like to'

Cordeiro (left) trains Shogun (right) in a fight at UFC Rio 1. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

Rafael Cordeiro knows Mauritius Shogun like few others. After all, the renowned coach was one of those responsible for preparing the fighter from Curitiba at the beginning of his career, being by his side in important moments such as winning the PRIDE GP in 2005, or some of his victories in the UFC. Precisely for this reason, Cordeiro left open the possibility of returning to train Shogun in the future if the fighter is interested.

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Shogun is having a bad time in the UFC, having lost four of his last five fights. Cordeiro, leader of the Kings MMA gym and responsible for training athletes such as Fabricio Werdum e Rafael dos Anjos, believes that his former pupil still has what it takes to turn things around, and offered to work with the former light heavyweight champion.

“I would really like Shogun to train with me again. Because I like this kid so much, I would really like him to train with me again. I can't say that I'm going to be the savior of farming, but I know very well the way the Shogun fights. I have a lot of affection for him. Shogun likes being in Brazil, he likes being close to his family, he has this need to be with his mother, wife, children and friends. I can't visualize a camp in Brazil for all the commitments I have with my academy here [United States], but I hope to one day return to training Shogun and help him get back to his feet, which is the place he deserves. He is still young, 32, 33 years old, and age is not the problem. I see the fact that Werdum is 37 years old and at the best moment of his career, or the Vitor belfort, aged 38. Any day this boy wants, he will be welcomed here at the house like a father would welcome his son at any time”, said Cordeiro, in an interview with the website “Sexto Round”.

Cordeiro believes that the problem currently experienced by Shogun is not technical, but psychological. “The guy is missing motivation, an injection of courage. That's all that's missing. The Shogun is ready. He has the most important thing, which is his heart. He is not afraid of anyone, he fights with anyone. So, we're missing seeing that smile inside the Octagon. The motivated Shogun will return to the top”, said the coach.

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