Shogun talks Anderson and Machida

In an interview with Fighters Only Magazine, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua reacted to Anderson Silva's thoughts on the Shogun/Machida bout, as well as what he thinks about the fight. While Anderson's comments about the Shogun fight aren't breaking news, it's interesting that he has picked so many prominent fighters in such a short span to talk about or criticize.

Shogun and Anderson were training partners years ago, but Shogun doesn't feel that Anderson will have much insight to offer to Machida for their upcoming bout:

"I was around twenty when we trained together. I am another person and possess other technique now. Everything has changed since that epoch," he said. "But Anderson will be a great sparring for Lyoto. He is a great athlete, a very good fighter, one of the best of MMA. They have to train together to strengthen one another."

Shogun also responded to his status as the underdog in the fight with Machida:

"Sure thing Lyoto is the favorite. He holds the belt and comes off seven victories in a row. Everybody says he will win so it’s his pressure, not mine. It makes the fight easier for me because I will step in the octagon without obligation."

For the rest of the interview, click the link at the top of this post.