So reportedly the winner of the upcoming May 29th bout between “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans will have first dibs at newly crowned light-heavyweight champ, “Shogun” Rua. Now by now, even casual UFC fans are likely catching on to the fact that Shogun beat the stuffing out of Rampage at a Pride event in 2005. Yes, we are speaking figuratively here, but really, if you’ve seen the bout then you know that it was packed full with wincing moments (soccer kicks to the face seem to have a knack for doing this…)
Really, regardless of who wins at UFC 114, Rua’s first title defense should be a doozy. Although, if it in fact ends up being Rampage, will he be able to put his previous loss to Shogun behind him? (Obviously his left hook was able to do so against Wanderlei Silva) Well, speaking to MMA Weekly recently, the Mr.T impersonator had this to say about the current UFC champ.
“I feel like the universe is opened up for me right now. It seems like it’s my time,” said Rampage. “Cause that Shogun fight actually does haunt me ever since then. I never even should have took the fight. Going into the fight I was already injured. It was one of those things it taught me a mean lesson.”
Jackson went on to say (and we’re summarizing here) that essentially a thirst for cash and arrogance lead him to taking the bout with Shogun, despite being injured. Yes, money has a funny way of putting on the ‘ah f—k it’ blinders…First things first though, Rampage vs. Rashad; to bet on the bout head here.