Phil Davis Wants Shogun Rua In Early 2014
Number four-ranked UFC light heavyweight Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis received a huge boost in momentum when he edged out former champion Lyoto Machida via unanimous decision in the co-main event of last August’s UFC 163.
Despite outstriking Machida and scoring the only two takedowns of the fight, it was thought that “The Dragon” landed the more significant strikes of the bout, rushing Davis back with a flurry at one point. Regardless, Davis picked up the win and put himself in excellent position to make an assault on the top of 205-pound division.
However, he hasn’t really capitalized on that opportunity, remaining on the sidelines without a fight scheduled.
The divisional title scene will be figured out when champion Jon Jones takes on Glover Teixeira in the main event of UFC 172 and Alexander Gustafsson faces Jimi Manuwa at a UFC Fight Night in London on March 8. Gustafsson is thought to gain another shot at the belt should he get past “Poster Boy” as a heavy favorite.
In the meantime, Davis needs to get back in the cage if he wants to maintain his high ranking and relevancy. And he’s got an opponent in mind. Speaking on last night’s “UFC Tonight,” Ariel Helwani detailed “Mr. Wonderful’s” next move:
“Well, I spoke with his coach Eric Del Fierro yesterday and he said he’s ready to go, he’s healthy. They’re just waiting for that UFC call. They want to fight in that first quarter of 2014.”
When asked about possible opponents, another legend came to Del Fierro’s mind:
“We want Shogun Rua. I love that fight. Put it out there.”
Former Pride and UFC champion Rua has been on an inconsistent run as of late but he’s on an upswing right now after knocking out James Te-Huna with a picture-perfect left hook at UFC Fight Night 33 in Australia.
The win staved off talk of Rua’s pending retirement and could earn him another top opponent in Davis. The bout makes sense for both fighters. For Rua, it’s a chance to prove that he still has what it takes to beat the best after years of surgeries and wars. For Davis it’s an opportunity to defeat two former titleholders in a row, something that few UFC fighters can lay claim to.
With both fighters tentatively set to return early next year, there aren’t a whole lot of other options available for Davis. There’s no doubt that he has the wrestling to beat most 205-pound fighters, but can he strike with the dangerous “Shogun?”
Photo Credit: Brad Penner for USA TODAY Sports
