‘Shogun’ Rua coy about fight plan vs. unbeaten Lyoto Machida

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We know this about Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua: When he was a fighter in Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships, he beat ‘Rampage’ Jackson, and, since returning from successive knee surgeries after a 2007 loss in his UFC debut to Forrest Griffin, he’s knocked out the tough Mark Coleman and the aged former light-heavyweight king Chuck Liddell.

At UFC 104 Saturday night at Staples Center, he’s been thrown in against fellow Brazilian and new light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, who has never lost a round.

I got an aside with Rua on Thursday at the UFC news conference, but with the exception of sending accolades to Machida and referencing his experience edge over the champ in Muay Thai fighting, Rua revealed little insight into how he plans to win as a 5-to-1 underdog.

‘It’s been twice the work getting ready for Lyoto,’ Rua said. ‘I’ve trained to surprise him, and I’m very confident of my chances.’

What’s the surprise? Rua won’t go there. He said he doesn’t believe the champ will feel any added mental pressure fighting a fellow Brazilian.

‘It’d be arrogant of me to say I have any mental edge on him,’ Rua said. He’s a great fighter, and I don’t think he has any flaws or weaknesses.’

-- Lance Pugmire