The 2005 Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix winner, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, earlier this week did indeed sign a bout agreement to challenge UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida, which will more than likely take place at UFC 104 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 24.
SuperLutas.com.br was able to confirm the rumored match up with sources close to the Brazilian’s camp.
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/5/29/89 ... rua-agrees
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has in principle accepted a bout with new light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, MMAWeekly.com has learned from sources close to negotiations.
Though a concrete date for the fight could not be confirmed, and Machida’s management could not be reached at the time of this writing, sources say it would likely take place in October or November.
This is a fight I'm really looking forward to. I was a fan of Shogun in his Pride days, but his start in the UFC was pretty disappointing. He should be able to get some good training in by October, and will hopefully look even more like his old self. At the top of his game, Shogun could be a big problem for Machida. Or he could come in flabby again and get his ass kicked. Thoughts? No word on the rest of the card yet.