New Shogun Interview Pre Pride 32

[Panzerfaust]

Pride's Middleweight GP current champion Mauricio Shogun will be one of the Brazilian fighters to step inside the debut of Pride in US. Scheduled for upcoming October 21st, Pride "The Real Deal" will put face to face Shogun and American wrestler Kevin Randleman. It's going to be the second bout after the fatidic fight against Mark Coleman, at Pride 31. However, after stomping French Cyrille Diabate at last Pride OW final, Shogun says he is ready to the new challenge and aware of the news rules which forbid penalty kicks and stomps when the opponent is on the ground, Shogun's specialty. "I intend to show Randleman what I have been training and learned in my career. I have been training specifically in the new rules. I know I'll not be able to stomp, but in my opinion, a elbow in the face might hurt more then a penalty kick or an stomp," said the fighter during an exclusive to MMA365 crew.

MMA365 - When are you leaving Brazil?

Mauricio Shogun - I am leaving on October 16. I will fly with my Master Rudimar Fedrigo and Rafael Cordeiro, my brother (Murilo) Ninja and Wanderlei Silva.

MMA365 - So, what are you expecting of this Pride debut in US?

Mauricio Shogun - It's going to be wild! I am sure it will be a very good show. Talking about my fight, I am sure I'll do my best and the audience may expect a great performance.

MMA365 - You are going to fight Kevin Randleman, do you already know how to annul his game?

Mauricio Shogun - No. All tactics and strategies I decide at the time. I do what comes to my mind. I intend to show what I have been training and learned in my career. So I don't know previously what I am going to do.

MMA365 - So, you have been away from the rings since you got injured with Coleman, how do you analyze your last bout at Pride, when you defeated French Cyrille Diabate.

Mauricio Shogun - The most important thing for me was winning. I am glad I was fully recovered and imposed my game as usual. I think I could have done a little more, show my stamina, but what really matters is that I returned in great shape and now I am still in the battle.




MMA365 - So, rumors say you might fight Pride Heavyweight champion Emmelianenko Fedor at Pride New Years Eve, what do you say about it?

Mauricio Shogun - Well, I am surprised with that because it's the first time I am hearing it. No, I can tell you I don't know anything about it. My plans include get better and fight the middleweight GP in 2007 and I am the owner of the belt and I will do everything to retain it. But my plans also include fighting as a heavyweight in 2008.

MMA365 - With different rules Pride is going to promote the first show in America. Are you concerned about the new rules?

Mauricio Shogun - No, I am sure I will adapt to the new rules, but for my game, regular Pride's ones are the best. I am sure MMA will get very developed and it has been growing fast in United States.

MMA365 - So you are aware you wont be able to stomp you opponents, one of your favorite moves in the ring?

Mauricio Shogun - Yes, I have been training specifically in the new rules, so I know I'll not be able to stomp. In my opinion, a elbow in the face might hurt more then a penalty kick or an stomp, but is just my point of view. New house, new rules!

[Panzerfaust]

So much for the Fedor "rumour"..maybe Barnett will get the shot?

[Hunter]

I would rather see Silva move up to heavyweight but thats just me. I think Silva did not show his best against Crocop but he deffiantly showed his best attribute and that is his heart and love of the game

[BG]

So much for the Fedor "rumour"..maybe Barnett will get the shot?

I think they should have put Barnett instead of Coleman.

[BG]

Seems like this pride is west vs east. Think prides trying to make the US fighters look bad?

[trashydiva24]

awesome interview & photos.... i can't wait for VEGAS!

[pepperoni]

Seems like this pride is west vs east. Think prides trying to make the US fighters look bad?

I think thats exactly what they are trying to do. To show that they have some of the best talent out there, and to try and make Americans more interested in Pride. Also maybe to help with their battle with UFC.

[BG]

I think thats exactly what they are trying to do. To show that they have some of the best talent out there, and to try and make Americans more interested in Pride. Also maybe to help with their battle with UFC.

Guess they gave Coleman a pay check he couldnt refuse.

[Hunter]

Coleman is a warrior, I am sure its a great pay check but its more then money movitating him

[J.S.N.]

interesting murilo people on sherdog are acting like the NYE fight is for sure ****ing rumors...

[BG]

Coleman is a warrior, I am sure its a great pay check but its more then money movitating him

Oh of course, not taking anything away from him, the set up seems suspect, imo other fighters deserve the chance before him. It would be cool if he won, but I have a feeling he'll get caught in a sub again.