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Shogun Rua 'would bet' on Machida to beat Jon Jones

Mauricio Shogun Rua believes Lyoto Machida's karate background would trouble Jon Jones in a future collision © UFC

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Mauricio Shogun Rua has added to the growing list of voices that are talking down the talent of Jon Jones, claiming he "would bet" on Lyoto Machida to beat the UFC light-heavyweight champion.

Shogun was given one of the most one-sided championship defeats in history when he lost to Jones at UFC 128, yet Machida said on Monday that he felt Jones had not faced the real Shogun Rua.

In what appears to be a response to Chael Sonnen's recent claims that all light-heavyweight are "cowards" for not challenging Jones, Rua has now had his say, claiming Machida would have the 23-year-old's number.

"He has every chance to beat Jones," Rua told Sherdog. "His counter-attack style is very strong and tough to beat.

"I think his style could match perfectly with Jones" style. I'd bet on him if I had to."

Shogun's next bout will come against Forrest Griffin at UFC Rio in August, but he was previously called out by Randy Couture, who is preparing to face Machida. If Couture was to win that battle, Shogun admits he would be happy to take on the former five-time champion.

"Lyoto's going to win," he said. "He's very fast and agile for the division, and Couture is not at his best. It's very difficult to force a ground fight with Lyoto. He has a strong base and balance. If Couture puts him down, he has a chance to win. Hes always dangerous, but he can only win if he can get the fight on the ground.

"I'm 100 per cent focused on Griffin. If I win that fight, and if Couture defeats Lyoto, let's see what happens. I would accept that fight, for sure."

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