Silva said it was not right for Shogun to get a title shot after just two fights in the UFC, pointing out that Machida had had to win seven fights to get a title shot, and even then only when Rampage Jackson was unable to face Rashad Evans.
Shogun was less impressed with this. He points to the fact Anderson fought for the middleweight title on his second fight in UFC, making his criticism of Rua rather controversial. Shogun believes The Spider’s words will hit him back
“I think his opinion is contrary but I won’t criticize him. If he criticized me there must be a reason, who knows? I’m calm because I never did anything bad to him. So if he says such things he is being unfair and it will be hard for him a day,” he said.
“Everybody should have respect in this sport because it’s not easy to train everyday. That’s the motive I respect everyone. It’s OK if he doesn’t respect me back. I don’t give a damn on his words. Even a parrot talks.”
Anderson and Shogun were teammates at Chute Boxe eight years ago, where Anderson now trains with Lyoto Machida in the Black House team. But Shogun does not think that Anderson will have useful memories that will help Machida.
Yeah, i dont think Shogun is the top contender right now either but its not Shogun's fault Zuffa wants Rampage and Rashad to do TUF. Also, Shogun has only lost that one fight to Forrest in recent memory. These tuffy noobs have to realize that you dont erase a fighter's entire career cuz someone lost a fight that you saw or know of.
As for the match up, though it will still be interesting to see Rampage vs Machida (but what happens if Rashad beats him?) Shogun presents an interesting stylistic matchup because he's one of the few guys at LHW who is good striking (punching and kicking), clinch and tds.
Doesnt look like anyone will out finesse the Dragon right now but perhaps Shogun's old aggressive plus slow down clinch game may be a challenge for Machida. Of course, Shogun has always been kinda sloppy in his standup too so he could be ripe to be picked off.
Omega Poon-"...Unfortunately recent performances matter a lot more. I'm a shogun fan, but comparing Rua's first 3 UFC fights to Anderson's is just hilarious...."---------------------------------------Who's talking about their first 3 fights ??
Anderson got a TITLE shot after beating Chris Leben.....Shogun's 1st UFC fight was Forrest, who went on to win the title.
Are you comparing Forrest to Leben ? That's hilarious !
Anderson has been talking ALOT of sh!t lately and being a hypocrite.
Badmouths Vanderlei for having the audacity to drop to 185lbs even though it might be the best thing for his career and family....Meanwhile Anderson jumps back and forth between 185lbs and 205lbs.
badmouths Shogun for getting a title shot so soon....meanwhile he got a title shot after beting Chris Leben.
For anyone who thinks Shogun doesn't deserve a shot:
The only two fighters that could be considered for a shot at the LHW title are Shogun and Rampage.
Rashad-Just lost his title. Forrest-Lost 3 of his last 7 fights. Cane-Hasn't faced the competition Rich-Has been fighting at middleweight Jardine-See Forrest
That leaves Rampage and Shogun.
Rampage, since his brutal beat down at the hands of Shogun, has gone 8-1, with his only loss being to Forrest. His strong UFC form put him first in line, I can dig that. Then he pulls off possibly the biggest dicktuck in the history of mma, and goes off to play touch mickeys with Rashad for a few months.
Shogun is the ONLY logical contender. Discounting the injury against Coleman he has gone 14-1 since losing to Babalu with the only loss coming to Forrest. He completely deserves his title shot.
For Anderson Silva of all people to be questioning this is laughable. He get's his title shot off the back of what exactly? Beating Chris Leben? Beating Jorge Rivera, Tony Frykland and Curtis "Bang em out" Stout in Cage Rage? Going on an absolute tear of 3-2 in Pride??
I like Anderson, the man is an amazing fighter, but he needs to STFU and stop making a twat of himself.