by King Hazard
Shogun vs. Sonnen Set For FOX Sports 1 In August
We apologize for confirming Shogun vs. Sonnen for UFC 161 the other day on our Facebook fan page. Fortunately, not everyone saw that post since it was only a reply, and never again will I be using an unfamiliar news source to report an update.
For a fact, we know Chael Sonnen was lobbying to fight Maurício “Shogun” Rua on the UFC 161 card via Twitter, after it was announced that “Shogun’s” original opponent Antonio Rogerio Nogueira had to pull out of the Winnipeg event due to a back injury. Sonnen wanted in, even if it was on short notice, and the UFC tried to make it happen. For whatever reasons the organization couldn’t make the deal for UFC 161, but they managed to have the two light heavyweights agree to fight in Boston as the headliner for UFC On FOX Sports 1 on August 17, 2013.
According to MMA Fighting, Sonnen said the following about his next opponent on FUEL TV’s UFC Tonight:
“We were going to fight in Winnipeg (at UFC 161). We ended up moving the fight, they pulled ‘Shogun’ off the card completely. They’re going to match us up in a couple months.”
“Look, I went after Wanderlei, and I was quite candid. I went after Wanderlei because he was the worst guy I could find. Record-wise, in fairness, he’s the worst fighter in the UFC. And I know what you’re thinking, you’re thinking, ‘What about Cro Cop?’ You’re right, ‘Cro Cop’ was terrible. But Wanderlei’s record is actually a little bit worse. I couldn’t get Wanderlei, so I’m going, ‘Look, why don’t I just do this — why don’t I just fight the guy that destroyed Wanderlei for years in the practice room,’ and that brings us to Shogun.”
“I like Shogun. I have nothing against Shogun,” Sonnen continued. “This is just good, solid competition. But Wanderlei did this to you, Shogun.”
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