The Fight- Mauricio Rua Vs Anthony Smith
By Andrew Hickey
Pride fighting legend Mauricio “Shogun” Rua looks to continue his career resurgence when he battles finishing machine Anthony “Lionheart” Smith from the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany. Originally scheduled to be a main event tilt between Shogun and Volkan Oezdemir, Smith was given his chance when the Swiss was moved to a bout with #1 contender Alexander Gustaffson at UFC 227.
Shogun’s resume is among the finest in the sports history. 2005 Pride middleweight grand prix winner, UFC Light-heavy weight champion, 2010 KO of the year and a 2011 fight of the year against Dan Henderson that was recently inducted into the UFC hall of fame. A back catalogue of violent finishes and a willingness to go to war has cemented his legacy in the sport.
Right now, remaining relevant at the upper echelon of the division and making his way back to contender status is the goal. A 3-fight win streak against top 15 ranked competition in Corey Anderson, Gian Villante and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira has rekindled his career after going 1-4 from December 2012 to November 2014. Currently #8 in the official rankings, an empathetic victory this weekend could propel him up a division currently lacking in star power.
29-year old Smith is coming off the biggest victory of his 44-fight career. At UFC 225 in June, a thundering knee saw him end the career of former champion and future hall of famer Rashad Evans. Just 6 weeks later, he enters the octagon looking to take out another fighter of that ilk. A brawling striker that never stops coming forward, 28 of Smith’s 29 career wins have come by stoppage with all of his UFC victories by way of knockout. He proved in the Andrew Sanchez fight that the moniker “Lionheart” has been earned with an inspiring come from behind victory. The UFC brass has rewarded his fan friendly style and he now faces the biggest challenge of his career. Like Shogun, If Smith wins in violent fashion, His name will go straight into the debate at 205 pounds.
The Gameplan
Mauricio Rua is a beautiful muay thai practitioner fabled for his killer instincts. There are traces of a Jekyll and Hyde pattern to his striking. The patience and technique that was on display against Lyoto Machida and the Wildman that went to war with Dan Henderson. He showed both in his last fight against Gian Villante. The play book against Smith should read feints, footwork and countering the big Texan when he lunges in as he is prone to doing. Planting his feet and trading in the pocket with Smith will not be foreign to Shogun but he will need to be constantly on the move as allowing Smith to close the distance offers the bigger fighter the chance to clinch against the fence.
Takedowns are doubtful to come in to play but a grinding style against the fence is as effective. Despite being a career middleweight, Smith will have a considerable size advantage and if he can position the fight there, Shogun’s primary weapons will be negated. Lionheart though is more likely to see tunnel vision and begin head hunting rather than use any form of a grappling base. With a chance at glory flickering in his eyes, expect a bout with Smith in constant forward motion and Rua returning fire with fire.
Prediction
Both fighters have an innate finishing ability and power but also a tendency to be on the receiving end of punishment. Statistically, Shogun connects more and is hit less often than Smith. He also has a technical advantage and a more diverse striking arsenal. Smith carries in size, youth and a never say die spirit. This truly does have the potential to be an incredible war. Smith isn’t proven at this level and it’s the jump in competition that makes me side with the underdog Rua.
I can see Smith having success from his pressure and size but eventually succumbing to the accuracy and elite striking ability Shogun possesses. An excellent match-up between two of the most exciting fighters in the division.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua- KO round 2.
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