Shogun will last all three rounds

Mauricio Shogun Rua has promised he will last all three round against Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 on April 18.

Shogun admits he is rained specifically for Chuck Liddell’s big right hand as he is well aware of the former champion’s threat.

He told Setanta Sports: “Chuck Liddell’s right hand is a dangerous weapon. He has a very good right uppercut and right overhand, so you really have to take that into consideration,” states the BJJ black belt (17-3-0).

“We are training specifically for his style, and this is the evolution of MMA. Nowadays, you train with a big focus on the strengths of your opponent, as well as the weaknesses.”

He continued: “I won my last fight by knock-out, but still I wasn’t very pleased with my performance because I know I could have showcased myself much better.

“I know I could have been better-prepared so because of that I came to Sao Paolo to put the right emphasis on my training for my next fight. This time I’m gonna put on a much better spectacle for my fans.

“This fight against Chuck Liddell is the fight of my life. Chuck is a great fighter, probably the most famous fighter in America.

“I’m training more than I ever have done before. The people around me know how much I’m training for this fight. I know how much this means for my career. I’m preparing as much as I can – this fight means the world.

“Although there’s a lot of pressure on this fight, I think everybody expects him to win as the favourite in this fight. A lot of people are ruling me out because I didn’t fight well last time, but this just gives me more motivation and I really have nothing to lose.”

Tags: Chuck Liddell, UFC