With all of the hype that is being built up over the upcoming UFC light heavyweight title fight between champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and top contender Jon “Bones” Jones, it’s understandable how proponents for each fighter have come out supporting their favorite.
Another who has come out on the side of Rua, is fellow Brazilian Antônio Rogério “Minotouro” Nogueira (19-4) who feels that “Shogun’s” younger opponent will get outboxed by the champion when the two meet.
Nogueira, who is scheduled himself to headline UFC Fight Night 24 against Phil Davis a week after Rua and Jones meet, spoke to Tatame.com about the upcoming title fight.
“It’ll be a pretty tough fight, there’re no doubts. Jon Jones is the guy now, people are creating great expectations about him, but particularly disagree. In my opinion, Shogun has a sharper Boxing than Jones, and he has got more game. Jon Jones is talented, has a great reach, but he hasn’t confronted a guy like Shogun. I believe Shogun will win this one, I’d bet on him, because I believe he has got more game than Jones. But every fight is unique, right?”
Both Rua and Jones are scheduled to square off in the main event of UFC 128 on March 19 at the proponents in Newark, New Jersey.