RIO DE JANEIRO — Mauricio Rua’s team hinted at a possible cut to 185 pounds following a devastating loss to Ovince St. Preux in November, but that move could be postponed.
“Shogun”, who coached the fourth season of the Ultimate Fighter: Brazil in opposite to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, told the media in Brazil that he could stay in the light heavyweight division for a rematch with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at the TUF: Brazil 4 Finale event later this year.
According to Rua, the TUF: Brazil 4 Finale is scheduled for June 27. The promotion has yet to officially announce a date and location for the event.
“I don’t know about (dropping to 185 pounds) because I might fight with ‘Minotouro’ next,” Rua said on Wednesday. “I leave that decision with my coaches and my manager. They will make the call. Whatever they do, I’m happy.”
Rua and Nogueira fought in an epic battle in 2005 at PRIDE, with “Shogun” getting his hands raised in the end. Ten years later, both fighters sound interested in a second fight.
“People are talking about it, but I respect both Rodrigo and Rogerio and the UFC hasn’t talked about it with me or my manager. I admire them, but I would fight (Rogerio), yes. I’m a professional, but there’s nothing set yet.”
“Fighting ‘Shogun’ at the TUF Finale event is a possibility, and we’re waiting,” Nogueira said. “It’s up to Dana White to get this fight done, and I’m waiting.”