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[Cat--Smasher]

‘Shogun’ Rua Talks Changes in Management, Training Camp

Sherdog.com: There are news outlets reporting that you have parted ways with manager Eduardo Alonso over a contract with a marketing agency. Is that true?
Rua: Actually, it wasn’t for that reason. Since Chute Boxe, I’ve always worked with three people or companies: my manager, my coach and a media team that takes care of my image. Unfortunately, I hadn’t found a team that inspired my trust, and now I found a good team.

Eduardo is a very competent guy, but he doesn’t like this way of operating; he prefers one person taking care of everything. Not commanding everything, but overseeing everything. I don’t agree, [I prefer] each guy in his area. I like him, I know he likes me, but there was some conflict of ideas.

My coach is Andre “Dida” [Amado], and now I’ve got a company to take care of my image. No one can have power over everything, and I prefer it that way. There are other things that I can’t discuss, but it’s no use to talk about them. He is my friend and I respect him a lot.

Sherdog.com: Who will manage your career now?
Rua: There are some different people helping me with this part right now; I’m still thinking. The UFC has made it clear that we don’t need a manager; all negotiations are conducted by the athletes themselves. A manager today is not like in the Pride days. At that time, they had much more weight. I am in favor of a manager, that’s not the reason that I separated from Eduardo. I want to work with people nearby: Eduardo works in Sao Paulo and I’m in Curitiba. But, this is not the only reason. There are others, like I said.

Sherdog.com: Can you estimate a time for your return to the ring?
Rua: I’m in negotiations now. There’s nothing scheduled, but in the next few weeks, I should have something. For the moment, nothing is certain yet.

Sherdog.com: Andre Dida, as you said, will again be your head coach, as he was in the first fight against Lyoto Machida. How is your partnership?
Rua: I love him as a teacher. We parted because he wanted to work outside the country. We didn’t break up or anything. Now, he’s returning and for me, it was perfect. I like him, trust him. He’s responsible for my training; Dida assists with everything in my training. I want to work in the gym like the Chute Boxe times, each guy working in his area and me, 100 percent focused on the fight.

Sherdog.com: And will you be in Curitiba to train for your next fight or will you train in another city?
Rua: I’ll stay in Curitiba. We’re assembling a good team here. We’re bringing a pro jiu-jitsu guy -- we are negotiating with him now -- and Dida will decide on the other sparring partners and coaches.

Sherdog.com: What do you expect in the Jon Jones-Rashad Evans fight?
Rua: Jones is the favorite; he’s the best in the category. But Rashad is a guy who does not give up easily, and has only one defeat, to Lyoto. It will be a tough fight.

‘Shogun’ Rua Talks Changes in Management, Training Camp

[Pasha K]

Maybe there will be a rematch with Hendo. Their first fight was epic.

[Cat--Smasher]

The UFC has made it clear that we don’t need a manager; all negotiations are conducted by the athletes themselves.

Interesting.