Shogun Rua's next fight may likely end in a quick knockout, according to the former UFC light heavyweight champion. The PRIDE FC legend also believes that he is still ready to make one more title run.
Shogun Rua's next fight will be against Nigerian-Englishman Jimi Manuwa at UFC 156 in Brazil on November 8th. Both men are coming off knockout losses in March, as Rua is fresh off a brutal beating in the hands of Dan Henderson, while former light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson finished Manuwa in the second round of their encounter.
Shogun spoke with Combate regarding his upcoming bout, as he promises that it will be a treat for the fans.
"Both of us are always seeking the KO," Rua said. "That is my strength. The sooner the better. Striking fans will likely enjoy the fight."
Shogun Rua's next fight will be his 32nd bout in a career that has spanned for 12 years now. At the relatively young age of 32, the mixed martial arts veteran has been involved in the toughest of wars, and has faced the most talented opponents.
While Manuwa, whose only loss came in the hands of Gustafsson, may prove to be a tall task for Shogun to handle given his recent string of defeats, the PRIDE FC legends still foresees a title shot in the near future.
"I think so. But I'm not thinking about title shot right now," Rua said. "My attention is fully turned to Jimi Manuwa. What comes after that will be a consequence."
His manager Eduardo Alonso, who believes that his fighter is still in the best shape of his life, supported his sentiments.
"What I always say is that Shogun is always two fights away from a title shot," Alonso said in a separate interview. "No matter what happens, he won maybe the biggest Pride Grand Prix, is a former UFC champion and fans love his style."
