• UFC Rio

Shogun on course to return at UFC Rio

ESPN staff
April 6, 2011
Mauricio Shogun Rua 'didn't get hurt at all' against Jon Jones according to trainer Eduardo Alonso © Getty Images
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Mauricio Shogun Rua is almost certain to make his UFC return in Rio later this year after his trainer announced he is targeting an August comeback.

Shogun lost his light-heavyweight crown in emphatic fashion to Jon Jones at UFC 128, and he looked a destroyed man at the climax of the fight, crumpled against the cage with a heavily swollen face and damaged ribs.

However, none of the damage was serious and, with the UFC targeting an August 27 event in Rio de Janeiro, it makes sense that one of Brazil's most famous sons will appear on the card.

"We are already talking to the UFC about his next fight," trainer Eduardo Alonso told Fight Hype. "They are really very supportive of us and after the bout, Dana [White] came into the locker room to show support and said he felt rhythm was important for Shogun, so whenever I was ready, I should call him cause they wanted him to fight soon again.

"I agree with him, and we hope to have Shogun back around August.

"A lot of people sent me messages asking if Shogun got hurt, but thankfully Mauricio didn't get hurt at all. After the fight, I took him to the hospital for exams and all was fine. He just had some swelling around his eyes and nothing else. He is training lightly again already."

No suggestion over the identity of Shogun's opponent has yet been made.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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