Rua ruptures ACL, pulls out of Liddell match

UFC will look for new Iceman opponent after Shogun re-injures knee

	Shogun Rua pulled out of his scheduled June match with Chuck Liddell due to a blown ACL.
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By Mike Chiappetta

NBCSports.com

updated 5:23 p.m. ET March 4, 2008

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Mauricio "Shogun" Rua ruptured the ACL in his left knee, forcing him to withdraw from his scheduled UFC 85 bout with former light-heavyweight champ Chuck Liddell, according to the UFC.

The 26-year-old Brazilian is considered to be one of the top 205-pounders in the world, holding wins over current UFC champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in his career. In 2005, he won the PRIDE 93 kg Grand Prix.

Rua (16-3 overall) made his octagon debut at UFC 76. In a mild upset, he was submitted via rear naked choke by Forrest Griffin in the third round. Afterward, Rua had surgery on the same knee that he apparently now re-injured.

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For the time being, Liddell is left without an opponent for the June 7 card, but given three months notice, the UFC has time to find a suitable substitute as well as market the change in plans. The organization is expected to name a replacement shortly.

Liddell is 21-5 in his career and is coming off a December unanimous decision win over former PRIDE 205-pound champ Wanderlei Silva.

In addition to Rua, two other key 205-pound fighters are returning from injuries. Following his UFC 76 win, No. 1 contender Forrest Griffin took time off after a shoulder surgery, while champion Rampage Jackson broke his hand in his UFC 75 win over Dan Henderson. The two will square off in July.