Author: Mike Hodges

Rafael Cordeiro Says Shogun Rua Needs To Train Seriously To Be Successful Again

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua failed to walk away with his hand raised in victory against Dan Henderson at UFC 139, a fight many fans are considering one of the greatest bouts in UFC history.Prior to the bout, Rua opted to train in Brazil to prepare for his op…

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua failed to walk away with his hand raised in victory against Dan Henderson at UFC 139, a fight many fans are considering one of the greatest bouts in UFC history.

Prior to the bout, Rua opted to train in Brazil to prepare for his opponent as opposed to training with longtime mentor and trainer Rafael Cordeiro at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, Calif. The Brazilian reunited with Cordeiro to prepare for Forrest Griffin at UFC 134 which saw Rua knock him out in the opening round. 

And although Rua engaged in an exciting five-round matchup with Henderson, earning praise and respect from fans, Cordeiro wasn’t impressed in the performance of the former Chute Boxe standout. 

In fact, Cordeiro suggested that Rua needs to take his training camp more seriously in order to become successful again. 

“I don’t know about this fight because he didn’t train with us for this fight. What I can say, is that if he wants back to the top he needs to start training,” Cordeiro told MMAWeekly.com. “He needs to start training as much as he can. He needs to work hard it’s no joke; this sport is a hard sport.”

Rua has shown glimpses of brilliance, but he has failed to meet fans’ expectations since coming over from PRIDE FC in 2007; he currently stands at 4-4 inside the Octagon. Also, a history of cardio problems and recurring knee injuries have prevented “Shogun” from reaching his potential in the UFC, despite capturing the UFC light heavyweight title last year.

Cordeiro said Rua has the potential to regain the light heavyweight title and have a successful future in the UFC, but said the real success begins from incorporating a strong work ethic into the training camp, something Rua needs to learn.

“In my gym, I don’t have fighters, I have students there. My students work and my students learn martial arts, respect and discipline and it makes a difference,” he said. “UFC is a great show and for you to fight here you need to work hard and you need to work on your techniques and your cardio. He needs to put that in his head if he wants back to the top.”

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Luiz Dorea Says Lyoto Machida Draws Comparison to Muhammad Ali and Roy Jones Jr.

Lyoto Machida is in the final stages of his training camp as he prepares to challenge for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 140. Among the additions to his camp was boxing coach Luiz Dorea, renowned for assisting fellow Brazilian’s like Junio…

Lyoto Machida is in the final stages of his training camp as he prepares to challenge for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 140. 

Among the additions to his camp was boxing coach Luiz Dorea, renowned for assisting fellow Brazilian’s like Junior dos Santos and Anderson Silva. 

Upon making the trip to Machida’s hometown of Belem, Para, Dorea said he has seen a progression in the Brazilian’s striking skills, comparing it to some of the best names in boxing history.

“I have great Boxing experience and it’s hard to see a heavyweight fighter who moves and does what he does,” Dorea told TATAME.com. “There are few: Anderson, Dos Santos, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Roy Jones Jr.”

“The Dragon” possesses one of the most complex and diverse styles in mixed martial arts, becoming educated and disciplined in Shotokan Karate at a young age taught by his father, Yoshizo.

Since his UFC debut in 2007, Machida has practiced and implemented other disciplines and styles into his arsenal, including Muay Thai, Judo and Sumo, and has rounded out his skills to become one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. 

His recent training camp gives evidence that Machida continues to evolve and work hard in order to emerge as the best light heavyweight in the world. And having experienced the camp for himself, Dorea is convinced that Machida will reclaim the light heavyweight crown on December 10.

“I trust Lyoto, I believe we’ll bring the fourth title to Brazil,” he said.

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Greg Jackson Expects Jon Jones to Face the "Best Lyoto Machida" at UFC 140

As Jon Jones prepares to make his second title defense at UFC 140, perhaps no opponent poses a greater threat stylistically than Lyoto Machida. And Jones’ head trainer Greg Jackson is well aware of what Jones’ challenger is capable of. Jackso…

As Jon Jones prepares to make his second title defense at UFC 140, perhaps no opponent poses a greater threat stylistically than Lyoto Machida. 

And Jones’ head trainer Greg Jackson is well aware of what Jones’ challenger is capable of. 

Jackson made an appearance on Sherdog Radio to break down the upcoming title bout and praised Machida’s skills and abilities, expecting the Brazilian to be the champion’s toughest test to date.

“He’s also a very creative fighter. He’s very quick on the in and out. He’s going to try to get past Jon’s length, I’m sure, with his jumping in and jumping out style and moving side to side,” Jackson said. 

Jackson shares some history with “The Dragon,” as Machida defeated former Team Jackson pupil Rashad Evans for the light heavyweight title at UFC 98 in 2009. Machida’s title reign was short-lived however, and has gone 2-2 in his past four bouts. 

Coincidentally, it was Evans who was originally expected to face Jones, but a hand injury prevented him from competing against Jones, granting the Brazilian to step in and compete for a title shot once again. 

While there are some who disagree the decision, Jackson is surely not taking the former UFC light heavyweight champion lightly and fully expects to see an in-form, competitive opponent in Machida come December 10. 

“I fully expect us to fight the best Machida that has ever fought, and hopefully we’ll be able to get around that and those problems.”

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Phil Davis Still Open to Facing Rashad Evans in the Future

Phil Davis was one fight away from potentially entering title contention at 205 pounds until a knee injury forced him out of action for the remainder of the year. The light heavyweight division has witnessed its fair share of injuries, shuffling t…

Phil Davis was one fight away from potentially entering title contention at 205 pounds until a knee injury forced him out of action for the remainder of the year. 

The light heavyweight division has witnessed its fair share of injuries, shuffling the weight class around dramatically throughout the past year. 

Davis was originally expected to face Rashad Evansfrom at UFC 133 until his injury prevented him from competing, allowing Evans to pick up the victory against Davis’ replacement, Tito Ortiz.

Now, “Mr Wonderful” has been active during training sessions and has recovered well from his injury and is anticipating a 2012 return to the UFC. Upon his return, Davis would be open to a bout with Evans.

“That may be a fight that makes sense,” Davis told MMAWeekly.com. “He’s still a top five guy, definitely one of the best guys in the world, we’ll see what happens.”

Davis has been seen as one of the rising prospects in the light heavyweight division, earning victories over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Alexsander Gustaffson. Certainly, a step up in competition would only seem logical for the 27-year-old, but Davis is content on facing whoever he is matched up against. 

Often seen as a colorful personality in the media, Davis said he prefers to do his talking inside the Octagon and doesn’t feel the need to challenge his opponents.

“I personally don’t know or care, cause the great thing about me is you can give me somebody in the top five, or the top ten, or you can give me somebody not in the top ten, and I’m still confident that I’m going to win regardless,” he said. “I don’t make the decisions and I don’t pretend that I do.”

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Dana White Would Prefer Wanderlei Silva to Retire Following UFC 139

Following a victory over Cung Le, Wanderlei Silva has extended his UFC career for the foreseeable future. “The Axe Murderer” was under the proverbial microscope at UFC 139 after losing four of his last six bouts. And while Silva did record only hi…

Following a victory over Cung Le, Wanderlei Silva has extended his UFC career for the foreseeable future. 

“The Axe Murderer” was under the proverbial microscope at UFC 139 after losing four of his last six bouts. And while Silva did record only his third win in five years, UFC President Dana White doesn’t believe the Brazilian is a contender any longer. 

White told reporters during the post-fight press conference that he would rather see Silva finish his career than continue fighting.

“Wanderlei’s a warrior—he’s been around forever and people love him,” White said. “I love him—he’s been great to (the UFC) and to the sport, and I’m not going to have that stuff happen.”

White was forced in a similar position when his close friend and former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell was on the latter end of his career, losing the last four of his six bouts by knockout. Like Liddell, White has been vocal about Silva’s recent losses and expresses his concern regarding the former PRIDE champion’s long-term health. 

“I just don’t want to see anyone hurt—that’s all I care about,” he said. 

However, despite White’s best efforts to convince Silva to hang up his gloves, ultimately, the UFC boss said he will not force anyone into an uncomfortable position. In fact, White admits he’d be happy if Silva decided to end his career on his own terms.

“He looked good (Saturday). I’d be cool with (him walking away after the win), too. I would never try to talk somebody out of retirement,” he said.

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Chael Sonnen vs. Mark Munoz to Headline UFC on FOX 2?

Although Chael Sonnen’s next bout won’t be against Anderson Silva, it is believed the outspoken middleweight contender will headline the next UFC on FOX event against Mark Munoz. According to MMAInterviews.tv, Sonnen and Munoz will meet in a No. 1…

Although Chael Sonnen‘s next bout won’t be against Anderson Silva, it is believed the outspoken middleweight contender will headline the next UFC on FOX event against Mark Munoz. 

According to MMAInterviews.tv, Sonnen and Munoz will meet in a No. 1 contender bout to determine the next challenger to face UFC middleweight champion Silva. 

The Brazilian is currently rehabilitating from a shoulder injury he suffered during his bout against Yushin Okami at UFC 134, and Sonnen has previously stated he would opt to compete in another matchup as opposed to waiting for the champion to make a full recovery. 

Also rumored to be on the card is a welterweight bout between Jake Ellenberger and Diego Sanchez, as well as a potential bout between Melvin Guillard and Jim Miller. 

The winner of Sonnen vs. Munoz is expected to challenge Silva when he is slated to make his return to the Octagon in June 2012. 

UFC on FOX is scheduled for January 28, 2012, from the United Center in Chicago.

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