UFC president Dana White has confirmed Mauricio Shogun Rua is expected to return to the Octagon before June 2011.
Light-heavyweight champion Rua has just undergone major knee surgery to correct a longstanding problem, and White revealed the Brazilian is 'recovering well'. Having knocked out the previously undefeated Lyoto Machida in his last fight, anticipation of Rua's return to the Octagon is growing.
Rashad Evans recently established himself as the No. 1 contender to the belt with a decision victory over Rampage Jackson, and White confirmed Evans will wait for Shogun rather than taking another fight during the champion's recovery period.
"Shogun's just had knee surgery. His other ones have been in Brazil but we did this one in the US with the best doctor in the country," the UFC president told SportsCenter.
"He's recovering well and we're looking at mid-spring to early summer for his return against Rashad Evans.
"This kid has looked incredible in his last few outings, knocking out [Lyoto] Machida, which nobody has even come close to doing, and solidifying his status as the best 205-pounder in the world.
"Now Rashad gets his shot at him."
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