UFC: Chuck Liddell vs. Mauricio Shogun Fight Still Likely

A battle between two of the best 205 pound MMA fighters on the planet is back in the mix. 

In a recent interview with KSBY 6 Action News in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and trainer John Hackleman both stated that a September 2008 fight with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is more than likely going to take place.

A fight between Shogun and Liddell is one that many MMA fans are dieing to see. 

Both have beaten a laundry list of great MMA fighters all over the world.  Anytime you can match up two aggressive strikers of their caliber you have the makings of a highlight reel fight.

This fight was originally scheduled to happen at UFC 85 in London—however, both fighters have been set back due to injuries.

First, Shogun ruptured the ACL in his left knee—the same knee he had previously had surgery on after his fight with Forrest Griffin at UFC 76. 

Liddell was also forced to withdrawal recently due to a tear of his right hamstring.  

The main event for UFC 85 is now Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves.

Rescheduling the Shogun vs. Liddell fight for September is a definite possibility.  By the time September rolls around Liddell will most certainly be healthy, healed, and ready to fight.

On the other hand, Shogun may not be completely ready by then.  He is going through a much more rigorous rehabilitation due to the severity of his injury.  

It would be in Shogun’s best interest not to fight at less than 100 percent.  We all saw how a seven month layoff and a bum knee served him when he was upset by Forrest Griffin at UFC 76. 

Shogun is obviously anxious to show MMA fans in the United States what he is made of—why he was considered by most publications as the best 205 pound fighter in the world prior to his loss to Griffin.

My advice to Shogun would be to keep your head up, complete the rehabilitation process, train hard, and then see where the calendar stands. 

Most importantly, be patient.  You are only 26 years old, you have all the talent in the world—your time will come. 

Whether that happens during the month September remains to be seen.