• UFC 139

Shogun plans to crack Hendo's 14-year record

Mauricio Shogun Rua is promising to do what no man has managed in 14 years of trying at UFC 139, by knocking out Dan Henderson.

Henderson has fought a total of 36 times in a stellar career that began way back in 1997. Pride and Strikeforce titles have been won, legends have been beaten, but never has Hendo's chin hit the mat and stayed there.

The likes of Rampage Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Fedor Emelianenko and Vitor Belfort have all tried and failed to crack the Henderson chin, but Shogun believes he will succeed where others failed.

"It's important to have good boxing skills going into the fight with Dan Henderson. It's a big part of his game," Shogun said. "I really respect Dan as a fighter. He's somebody I admire very much. He's been at the top of the game for a long time and I enjoy watching him fight.

"This fight was supposed to happen a long time ago, back in the Pride days. We always thought we would end up fighting each other but it never happened. This is the right time now for the fight to happen. He is a great fighter and this is going to be a great fight for the fans.

"I hope I can be the first to knock out Dan. He's a talented, experienced fighter, he's fought many tough fighters and has been hit many times but has never been knocked out. But I am confident and I trust in my skills.

"Hopefully I'll be the first to knock him out."

Following the UFC's introduction of a new regulation that sees every main event go five rounds, Rua's conditioning will come under scrutiny on Saturday. The Brazilian has tired badly against Forrest Griffin, Mark Coleman and Jon Jones since arriving in the UFC, whilst on other occasions - like his controversial decision loss to Lyoto Machida - Shogun has looked razor sharp.

"I like to push forward when I fight because that's the way I like to fight," said the former champion. It feels natural for me. It's an exciting style the fans want to see and it makes for a great show.

"More importantly, this is how I fight my best. I'm going to push forward and go for it in every fight. That's my style, my roots, and the best use of my weapons.

"Sure I've had cardio and injury problems in the past, but it is what it is. I'm going to show people I can be consistent and get a win streak started. Dan will need to come in here prepared to fight because I am really prepared."

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