MMA Forum - UFC Forums - UFC Results - MMA Videos - Shogun's Manager Explains Refusing Jones Rematch at 151

- UFC (http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/)

- - Shogun's Manager Explains Refusing Jones Rematch at 151 (http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/104763-shoguns-manager-explains-refusing-jones-rematch-151-a.html)

Shogun's Manager Explains Refusing Jones Rematch at 151

Quote:

Rua's Manager, Julio Heller:

"We were in Sao Paulo and my phone rang about midnight. It was Lorenzo (Fertitta). Lorenzo was on another call, so I talked to him like half hour later. He offered me a rematch against Jon Jones because Lyoto had declined it and asked me to give him an answer in ten minutes. I hung up and Mauricio was there with me. We talked and called Dida in Curitiba and we got to a conclusion we should accept the rematch, but only if Shogun had a couple of months to train and it would mean a fight later in October or in November. I said that to Lorenzo but he said there was no time because Jon Jones's fight is on September 22nd. Unfortunately, he couldn't give us this time but he understood.

Mauricio accepted at the time the new fight against Jon Jones. The ideal is a three-month camp but he said yes to a two-month camp fight. He wants to fight Jon Jones and it sucks it won't happen now. But Mauricio's shot will come."

I think when you've already lost to the guy, it's understandable wanting to be well prepared for a rematch. Shogun was in a 4 round war less than a month ago and probably just started training for Gustaf, Jones is peaked and ready to go.

Shogun has pride and wants the rematch, but not accepting the 151 slot was the sensible thing to do.

http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/8/28...nderson-injury

You'd have to be nuts to accept a fight with Jones on such a short notice, especially when you're last outing against him (when you were fully prepared) ended with you getting smoked. I think that's definitely the right call for Shogun.

To be honest, while I blame a lot of people for not stepping up, I don't blame Shogun. As mentioned, he was in a war and while he is starting to prep for Gustaf, I bet it wasn't that long ago that he finally stopped hurting/aching from that fight with Vera.

Would Shogun even be cleared to take the fight? He was in a brutal war against Vera not too long ago, theres just no way hes healthy enough to fight so soon. His body and his brain need time.

If Shogun was looking in as a spectator, he'd have taken the fight. It'd hard to see Shogun REALLY cleaning up the division and taking the title. He's an easy gatekeeper imo. I think Machida, Evans, Page etc. would all beat him. Sad to see, but Round 1-3 Vs Hendo and the Vera fight are just showing a slow and aged Shogun.

But at the same time, he's fighting and considered a top guy. He will truley believe in his ability to once again become the champion and won't see his downsides as harshly as us, so I don't blame him for turning it down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClydebankBlitz (Post 1621492)

I think Machida, Evans, Page etc. would all beat him.

really?

Evans I can see, but the others?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellholming (Post 1621519)

really?

Evans I can see, but the others?

I know that Shogun has beat Machida twice already, but I don't see anyone not named Jones at LHW beating The Dragon. I think Shogun is looking TERRIBLE, and I think Machida would finish him tbh. Rampage is the closest one. Shogun seems fine to stand and bang and not even shoot these days, and Rampage has a new found hatred of all things "touching". I think Rampage would be able to edge him out in a stand up war. If the fight is 3 rounds, I see Rampage having the carido to deal with him. 5 rounds might be harder because there is no test to Shogun's heart and resolve.