With less than a week before Wanderlei Silva vs. Chuck Liddell at UFC 79, one of Brazil's top MMA acadenies Chute Boxe suffered another huge loss. Pride champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua announced last Tuesday on the 18th of December he too would leave Chuteboxe after his brother Murilo “Ninja” Rua left. "My brother left the team last week and there is no way I remain on a team my brother does not belong", said Shogun. Now the Brazilian fighter, who debuted with a losing effort to Forrest Griffin in the UFC, talks about the mega fight between Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva and Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, his loss to Forrest Griffin, his brother Murilo "Ninja", and much more.

MMARR - Why did you decide to leave Chute Boxe?
 
Mauricio Shogun - My brother left the team last week and there is no way I remain in a team my brother does not belong. I own him my career. It is because of him I became a professional fighter. He brought fighting to my family. My idea is to stay in Brazil, in Curitiba. So far I don't want to move to US and I am trying to convince Murilo to stay too.
 
MMARR - What's your plans now?
 
Mauricio Shogun - Well, Id like to open a gym in Curitiba… maybe this January. I've been searching for places and growing the idea stronger. But after that I have to focus on UFC. I fight again in March and I need to train harder and harder for my next fight.
 
MMARR - How is your knee?
 
Mauricio Shogun - My knee is good. I am recovered and training already. Every morning I run few miles and I am ready to return.
 
MMARR - Did the hurt knee somehow bother you against Griffin?
 
Mauricio Shogun - I know what I've done wrong against Griffin. And I cannot blame any hurt for my mistakes. I have the total responsibility for my acts and bad results. Right know I just want to look to the future and thank all my friends and fans who supported me in those bad days. I know I will be back better than ever. I lost the first battle but I will win this war for the belt!
 
MMARR - What happened with the knee? Is it true you got injured weeks before your UFC debut?
 
Mauricio Shogun - I got the crossed ligament injured two months ago when was training with my brother. My foot got stuck on the mat and then I turned over and my knee turned over too.  
 
MMARR - Some of the best pride fighters had a hard time when fighting in the cage, like you and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. What do you think about this fight between Silva and Liddell?
 
Mauricio Shogun - I am rooting for Silva even more because he is a true friend. Nowadays every fighter is in the same technique level. But I do believe Wanderlei will defeat Liddell. He just needs to pay attention to his counter-attacks. It's Liddell's game… he spins and throws punches. On the other hand Wanderlei likes to show they audience why they paid for their tickets. He gives it all. He has more stamina, more heart and he is way better than Liddell when the subject is exchanging punches. I believe Wanderlei may win this fight by knock-out.
 
MMARR - Who you'd like to fight next?
 
Mauricio Shogun - I do not choose opponents. I am training hard to face anyone. However, I'd like to fight some UFC star… Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell would be such great experiences for me. However I know I have to train and need to do a better job when I come back.
 
MMARR - You'd like to fight Griffin again?
 
Mauricio Shogun - Of course. I want this revenge but I honestly think they will not do this super fight so early.
 
MMARR - The other Brazilian to fight at UFC 79 is Lyoto Machida. He will fight Sokoudjou, who defeated Brazilians Ricardo Arona and Rogério Minotouro. What are your thoughts about that fight?
 
Mauricio Shogun - Well, tough question. Sokoudjou proved he is an excellent fighter when surprised both Ricardo Arona and Rogério Nogueira Minotouro. But I can tell you I've trained with Lyoto at Chute Boxe and I believe he has more weapons. I think this fight will happen only on the feet. Lyoto may try to take this fight to the ground, but Sokoudjou is strong and I think Lyoto may waste his stamina trying to accomplish it. I bet on Lyoto against Sokoudjou. I think he will kick ass.
 
MMARR - Murilo Ninja is doing a great job at British event Cage Rage… how is he?
 
Mauricio Shogun - He is fine. I traveled with him to England, when he fought at Cage Rage 24 and he did a great fight. I think he is going to take this belt once its available. Some rumors say he will fight his next bout for the title. Who knows?