While Quinton “Rampage” Jackson currently sits out and undergoes surgery, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua remains without an opponent in the meantime.
Rua, who is coming off a loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 139, is seeking a return to the Octagon and he hopes to perform within the coming months, preferably in his native land of Brazil at UFC 147.
“I might fight in June or July, that’s when I hope to fight, but for now there’s no opponent in mind,” Rua told TATAME.com. “I dream about being part of this card, even because it’s a huge event. I would really like to be a part of it.”
The Brazilian’s last trip to South America resulted in a successful outcome as he knocked out Forrest Griffin within the opening minutes of the first round at UFC 133.
Rua had been originally scheduled to face Jackson later this year, and was offered a rematch against Henderson, but both fights have been scrapped momentarily.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion said he isn’t the type to pick and choose opponents, however, he does intend on fighting this year.
“I rather wait. It’s hard to pick an opponent out like that. I rather not chose,” he said. “Sometime they have to replace your opponent and that’s frustrating for us as athletes, so I fight anyone.”
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