Shogun Heading to Negotiating Table This Week

-While the rematch between Lyoto Machida and Shogun Rua has been tentatively scheduled for May, this week should be key in firming up contest. Shogun's Manager Eduardo Alonso tweeted "Should be an important next week, with some negotiations starting...". Lining up an extension on Shogun's contract will be the main point of contention. Shogun is four fights into his career and should be nearing the end of his original contract. The UFC has been more proactive in getting these extensions prior to a title shot, with the policy being mandated due to the BJ Penn abdication after his defeat of Matt Hughes. The UFC will want to have Shogun linked to a longer term contract in the event that he is able to take the title off of Machida.