By Guilherme Cruz 

Photo UFC

Mauricio Shogun Rua was the main star against Dan Henderson on one of the best fights in all UFC history. The defeat, however, delayed his plans of regaining the title of the division. Back to the trainings in 2012, the Brazilian talked to TATAME about his plans for the future, anticipating a duel against one of the top guys of the division. “I’m sure it’ll be a tough guy because there’re only tough guys on the division. I’ll keep training to fight the bests”, said Shogun, who also commented on Jon Jones’ rise.

What are your plans for 2012? Have you come back to the trainings?

The expectations are good and I’m already training. I hope I get better soon so I can fight for my fans, family and team.

Are you doing hard trainings already?

Actually, now I’m taking it slow, just training. I don’t know when I’m fighting. Next week I might make some deal, but for now I don’t know anything about it, so I’m taking it easy. When I know it for sure, I can set a plan and work on it.

You just did an amazing fight against Dan Henderson, who was the champion in Strikeforce. How do you see the division now?

This is the most disputed weight class, and I don’t have an opponent yet because it’s too messy right now. I guess Dan Henderson is getting a title shot and I have no idea of who I’m fighting against. I want to get ready for my next fight.

Who can be your next opponent?

I’m sure it’ll be a tough guy because there’re only tough guys on the division. I’ll keep training to fight the bests.

When you fought Jon Jones you were the champion and he came by surprise. He defested Quinton Jackson and now Lyoto Machida. What are your thoughts about him? Did you think he’d get this far after he beat you?

Yeah, I did. He’s very eclectic, a good guy and, absolutely, a guy who’s making room for himself in MMA. He has beaten many good fighters, top guys of the division and he’s proven to be a good athlete.