“Shogun” Re-Injures Knee; Out of Liddell Fight

Mar 04, 2008 4:14 PM John Chandler

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua weighs-in for UFC 76: Knockout. Photo property of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua has been forced to pull out of his scheduled bout against former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell after rupturing an ACL in his left knee during a recent training session.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship posted the news on their official website earlier this afternoon, additionally reporting that Rua will require surgery and will be out of action for an indefinite amount of time.

“I’ve never seen “Shogun” so motivated for a fight like this in years,” said Rua’s spokesman, Eduardo Alonso in the report. “This was like a new beginning for him. He thanks his fans for all the support. It means a lot to him.”

The fight was due to be Rua’s first since he was submitted by Forrest Griffin in his UFC debut in September. A replacement opponent for Liddell will reportedly be announced shortly.

So who would be a good replacement for Rua in this situation? Any ideas? To be honest, I can’t think of anyone of the top of my head. Every single one of the big-time light heavyweights have been booked for bouts in the coming months.

Chuck Liddell • Mauricio Rua • UFC • Light Heavyweight

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Comments:

1. Rob .
from calgary ab
Mar 04, 2008 5:39 PM

How about Thiago Silva vs. Chuck?...A new star would be born.

2. John Chandler
from Philadelphia, PA
Mar 04, 2008 5:51 PM

I believe Silva is unofficially fighting Rashad Evans in May.

3. John Chandler
from Philadelphia, PA
Mar 04, 2008 8:03 PM

Only two legit possibilities have come up in my head at this point - Ricardo Arona if they were able to sign him and Wilson Gouveia.

I’ve read some people bringing up Vitor Belfort as well. While the fight would sell, I’m not sure the UFC would do it because of either their lack of interest in him or the fact that the NSAC might give them grief for using a fighter who isn’t on good terms with them.

4. vrnzo
from dominion
Mar 05, 2008 3:33 AM

chuck vs anderson silva

5. Bill Reger
from New York
Mar 05, 2008 2:54 PM

How about Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, aka Lil Nog?

The guy was a stalwart Top Ten Ranked Light Heavyweight until a stunning loss to Sokoudjou and basically inactivity. He was in a war with Shogun before losing a close decision and owns a record of 13-3 with wins over Alistair Overeem (2x), Dan Henderson (a submission win), and Kazuhiro Nakamura (2x). The marketing can also play off the fact that his brother is the interim Heavyweight Champ. Play it up that he is going after a title just like his brother. He also has a very legitimate shot to defeat Liddell and to start building a new light heavyweight star for them.

In the long term, let’s say Liddell does win. Could this set up a future match with Big Nog, using revenge as a theme? Liddell walks around in the 225lb range, while Big Nog weighed in for UFC 81 at 237. So the size difference would not be that massive.

Lil Nog could be an interesting choice IMO.

6. John Chandler
from Philadelphia, PA
Mar 05, 2008 3:15 PM

Lil Nog and Liddell would be an awesome fight, would definitely setup a slew of potential storylines, and would give Liddell a nice test against a fighter that he’s never seen before.

However I’m not sure how feasible it’s going to be considering Nogueira’s contract with Hardcore Championship Fighting is exclusive and he still has two fights left. Then again, I’m sure HCF wouldn’t mind loaning Nogueira to them in exchange for a little publicity.

7. John Chandler
from Philadelphia, PA
Mar 05, 2008 7:26 PM

Also I completely forgot about Gouveia fighting Goran Reljic in May. I guess he’s not an option anymore.