Mauricio Rua Wants To Fight Quinton Jackson In 2016

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua says he wants a fight with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in 2016. It would be a rematch of their fight from PRIDE in 2005, in which Shogun knocked out Rampage. Here are highlights:

On fighting Rampage: “I respect Rampage a lot, we always talk when we meet, but this is a fight that we both want. The UFC wants it, fans want it as well. It’s inevitable. I just hope he’s free of his issues with Bellator. It would be nice to fight him again.”

On their first fight: “It’s been more than 10 years since that fight. His boxing is really great, as it already was in the past, so it’s going to be a tough fight. Boxing is Rampage’s best weapon. He has a great boxing, with good uppercuts and hooks. He said multiple times he was hurt going into that fight, so he will have the chance to prove otherwise.”

On his shoulder surgery: “My shoulder is getting better. The doctor said I’ll probably be ready to train hard again in December, so I believe I will be fighting again around March or April. As soon as they clear me, I’ll go to the United States to train with Rafael Cordeiro.”