UFC
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua open to third UFC bout with Lyoto Machida
Apr 5, 2012 - 10:55:49 AM Mauricio "Shogun" Rua open to third UFC bout with Lyoto Machida

DISCUSS ALL THIS IN OUR NEW MMATORCH FORUM

...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

With Quinton "Rampage" Jackson staying on the sidelines with an injury, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is currently without an opponent for his desired return in June or July. The list of potential opponents for him isn't filled with a ton of realistic options, but in an interview with Brazil's Portal Do Vale Tudo this week, Rua said would be open to a third bout with Lyoto Machida.

Rua revealed as much in the context of potentially coaching a future season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, but regardless said he'd be open to the trilogy bout with Machida regardless.

"Of course it is my great desire to do a TUF, which is a program where people see everything that passes the fighter," Rua said (translated by MMAMania.com). "Lyoto would make it even more interesting, is a top category, and consider how good this third fight, will sell a lot. Actually it was suggested that the UFC Rampage, who accepted, but had to operate the knees. So do not want to ask anyone, I fight anyone. I want that belt back, so I cannot choose opponent. But surely it would be great to face Lyoto. I'm waiting for the definition of the UFC, who promised that I would fight in June or July."

The first two fights between the two took place consecutively in 2009 and 2010 after a controversial decision in the first bout. Machida edged Rua in the first bout in October 2009, despite most outlets scoring it in Rua's favor. That led to a rematch in May of 2010, which Rua then won by knockout in the first round to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

Penick's Analysis: Both fighters are coming off of losses in their last bouts, Machida to Jon Jones in December, Rua to Dan Henderson in November, and could make for very good option here if the UFC wants to put it together. Even though many believe Shogun won the first fight, they're still technically 1-1 against each other, and that would be a solid fight if the UFC wants to put it together this summer.

[Mauricio "Shogun" Rua art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]