In a special feature, PRIDE veteran Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (Pictures) will take on Forrest Griffin (Pictures) in his Octagon debut at UFC 76.
"Shogun” Rua, The Brazilian and PRIDE 2005 Middleweight (205) Grand Prix Champion, is a vicious opponent with world class ground skill (black belt in BJJ) and possesses an under-appreciated stand up game. His record is impeccable (16 - 2 - 0) and he hold victories over the likes of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (Pictures), Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Pictures), and Ricardo Arona (Pictures). His only losses came against Mark Coleman (Pictures) and Renato “Babalu” Sobral (Pictures).
Griffin (14-4) has come a long way in the Octagon. He has risen from being a solid banger in The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 to an all-around athlete. He is not considered top-tier talent but nobody has ever questioned his heart. He has been in the ring with the likes of Stephan Bonnar (Pictures), Tito Ortiz (Pictures), and Keith Jardine (Pictures).
This bout will be Griffin’s hardest match to date and will determine whether he is top tier talent or just solidly middle grade.