By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Josh Hedges

Specialist about the adaptation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on MMA fights, Demian Maia submitted all five opponents he faced in the UFC, and now is helping Maurício “Shogun” Rua in his trainings for his next fight, against the former champion Chuck Liddell. Opening the doors of his gym in São Paulo for the Pride GP champion, Demian commented Ru’s training and is confident in another Brazilian victory in the octagon.

“He’s super professional, (Sérgio) Cunha is his head coach and takes care of all his training here, doing the schedules and everything, it’s great. He’s away from Curitiba (Shogun’s home town) and it’s good for him to get more concentrated”, said Demian, praising Shogun’s preparation. “He’s on the right way, but still if far from the fight, still has four weeks. He’ll get to the top now. I don’t know about Chuck, how is his preparation, but I think Shogun is very talented and, well trained, it’s hard to be beat”.

After hearing so many critics about Shogun’s fight with Mark Coleman, at UFC 93, Demian defends Shogun. “Everybody says that, but Idon’t think that the fight with Coleman was bad. Is was a very intense fight, maybe he got tired more, but I think he fought well. He got tired, that’s normal. People forget that Coleman fought with Fedor few time ago and did a great fight, he very tough… It’s not because he’s 45 that that you have to go there and kill him”, analyzes the undefeated fighter. Shogun faces Liddell at UFC 97 co-main event, which takes place at April 18^th at Montreal, Canada.