Demian Maia helping Shogun Rua prepare for April 18 bout against Chuck Liddell

Props: Sherdog.com

Quoteworthy:

“I opened my academy to his training. (Sergio) Cunha is taking very good care of his training. Shogun is such a talented guy. He’s already in nice shape. Four weeks later, he will really be in his best shape, and it will be really hard for Liddell to beat him.”

– Undefeated Brazlian jiu-jitsu wizard Demian Maia — on the recommendation of Wanderlei Silva — helps Mauricio Rua prepare for former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 from The Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Both fighters have a lot on the line. “Shogun” and “The Iceman” were both atop the 205-pound mountain just a few years back but have fallen on hard times as of late. Rua was choked out in his UFC debut by Forrest Griffin and looked sloppy against a senior Mark Coleman while Liddell has dropped three of his last four. It’s a fight to stay relevant and we’ll see who wants it more come April 18.

• UFC Quick Quote: Demain Maia likes Shogun’s chances against Chuck Liddell
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• Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua will beat Chuck Liddell at UFC 97 if he passes the gas test
• UFC Quick Quote: Shogun Rua not looking past Chuck Liddell at UFC 97
• The dance is over for Chuck Liddell