Coach: ‘Shogun’ Back to Training in ‘Couple of Months’

UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is expected to return to training in “a couple of months” following a recent knee surgery, according to his coach Andre “Dida” Amado.

UFC President Dana White told the media on Thursday that the newly crowned titleholder underwent knee surgery following his first-round knockout victory over Lyoto Machida at UFC 113 in May. White said the surgery was performed in Los Angeles and that the 28-year-old Brazilian would spend a five-week rehabilitation period in Las Vegas.

Amade said the promotion assisted Rua in finding a top physician to perform the undisclosed surgery, which took place within the last two weeks. The muay Thai coach said the injury occurred during the May 8 rematch with Machida.

“During the fight, the second takedown that Shogun received from Lyoto, he felt a twinge in the knee,” said Amade. “It was precisely at that moment; you can see the video of the fight. Afterward, he decided to go to the U.S. to operate.”

Rua had previously undergone surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in September 2007 and had a follow-up operation on the same knee in 2008. Neither White nor Amade could confirm if the most recent surgery was also for the left knee. Amade said Rua stayed quiet about the injury, as he felt it wasn’t as serious as his past ones.

White said Thursday that Rua’s first title defense against Rashad Evans, who earned a unanimous decision over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 114 on May 29, would not be scheduled until the muay Thai specialist’s prognosis is clearer. Amade said all signs are indicating that Rua’s recovery period will be a speedier one than originally predicted.

“I spoke with (Shogun just) now and he said the surgery was a success,” said Amade. “He’s very happy and very excited because recovery will be faster than expected. I don’t know exactly what type of surgery it was, but his recovery will be faster than the other times. Shogun called me very happy with this news. In a couple of months he will be back in training.”