Injured Shogun Out of UFC 85

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is out of UFC 85. Just days after the Brazilian star was officially confirmed for the headline bout at the London event, he has been forced out by injury.

The unhappy news was reported on the UFC.com website by Thomas Gerbasi:

“Scheduled to make his return to the Octagon this June against Chuck Liddell at UFC 85 in London, light heavyweight star Mauricio "Shogun" Rua has instead been forced to withdraw from the bout due to a ruptured ACL in his left knee, the same injury he had surgery on to repair last October after his UFC 76: Knockout fight with Forrest Griffin.

Surgery on the injured knee will be scheduled shortly, and there is no word on when Rua will be cleared to return to the Octagon.

One of the game’s top 205-pound fighters, the 26-year old Rua was looking to get back in the win column after his defeat at the hands of Griffin last year, and his bout with Liddell was just the motivation he needed to train like never before.

“I’ve never seen Shogun so motivated for a fight like this in years,” said Rua spokesman Eduardo Alonso. “This was like a new beginning for him.”

Liddell’s opponent for UFC 85, which will be held at London’s O2 Arena on June 7th, will be announced shortly. As for Rua, he promises to be back and better than ever as soon as possible.

“He thanks his fans for all the support,” said Alonso. “It means a lot to him.”

The news is a major blow for all concerned. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua came over to the UFC with a huge reputation, but was the victim of an upset, when he was submitted at UFC 76: Knockout by Forrest Griffin. Taking on a big name like Chuck Liddell in a main event contest would have been the ideal platform for Shogun to redeem himself.

The venue would also have suited Shogun. He has spent plenty of time in London supporting his former Chute Boxe team mates at Cage Rage events. He was in London last December to corner his brother, Murilo "Ninja" Rua, at Cage Rage 24: Feel The Pain. The UK capital has been a happy hunting ground for the Ruas. “Ninja’s” victory over Xavier Foupa Pokam at Wembley Arena was his third Cage Rage win in a row.

The loss of Shogun is also a blow for the UFC. Earlier this week, UFC UK Division President Marshall Zelaznik said:

“It is a real thrill to have the biggest name in mixed martial arts fighting in the UK. Chuck Liddell represents everything that is so exciting about the UFC and I know the British fans have been dying for the chance to see Chuck fight live. Now they’ve got their wish, and this is going to be England’s hottest ticket of the summer.”

Although the UFC are pinning their hopes on Chuck to sell tickets - they must find a credible opponent to face him. The UFC sold out the same venue for UFC 75: Champion vs Champion, but higher ticket prices and a weaker card will make it difficult to achieve an sell out.