UFC Fight Night 33 Preview

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Light Heavyweights

James Te Huna (16-6, 5-2 UFC) vs. Mauricio Rua (21-8, 5-6 UFC)

The Matchup: This could be a measuring stick of sorts for Rua, who has lost three of his last four fights. While all of the former Pride Fighting Championships standout’s losses have come at the hands of top-tier competition, it has become apparent that time and injuries have taken their toll on “Shogun.”

His last outing, a first-round submission loss to Chael Sonnen, was troubling when you consider that Sonnen was not known for his ability to make opponents tap, particularly a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. The cruel reality is that multiple knee injuries have robbed Rua of much of his speed and explosion. His knees have also affected his training and, as a result, his conditioning. Even in recent victories, Rua tends to fade as the fight progresses.

To expect something resembling the wrecking machine that won the 2005 Pride middleweight grand prix or even the man who solved the Lyoto Machida riddle early in his UFC tenure, is unrealistic. With that said, the Brazilian is still capable of short, violent bursts of offense, and his submission game is dangerous enough to make him a threat on the ground.

Te Huna is a physical opponent who has only lost to Glover Teixeira and Alexander Gustafsson -- currently the top two contenders in the division -- since arriving in the UFC. His lack of grappling was exposed in submission losses to both men; he is much more comfortable landing heavy ground-and-pound from above than defending from his back. The Australia-based kiwi figures to be willing to engage Rua in a slugfest, as his power and aggression are two of his greatest assets.

If Rua continues to remain limited, Te Huna is capable of unloading with heavy strikes and bullying his foe through clinches and takedowns. He is not as skilled as Rua, but he is extremely durable when it comes to trading on the feet. For example, he was able to survive a Ryan Jimmo head kick to come back and win the final two rounds of their bout at UFC on Fuel TV 7.

The Pick: In his heyday, Rua would likely make short work of someone like Te Huna, a game yet limited adversary. Today, Te Huna’s raw power and durability are enough to give him problems. Unless “Shogun” can pull off a submission, Te Huna wins via decision or late TKO.

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