Shogun Rua Expects Tough Opponent in His Next Bout

2011 has been an up-and-down year for Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.

After relinquishing the UFC light heavyweight title to Jon Jones at UFC 128, Rua followed up with a knockout victory over Forrest Griffin at UFC 134 shortly after. However, the Brazilian found himself on the losing end of a unanimous decision to Dan Henderson at UFC 139.

Despite finishing the year at 1-2 inside the Octagon, Rua is looking toward the future and anticipates a bout against one of the light heavyweight division's elite fighters.

"This is the most disputed weight class, and I don’t have an opponent yet because it’s too messy right now," Rua told TATAME.com. "I’m sure it’ll be a tough guy because there’re only tough guys on the division. I’ll keep training to fight the best."

Rua will enter this year hoping to regain the light heavyweight crown after losing it to Jones, who has since gone on to successfully defend the 205-pound strap on two occasions. "Shogun" praised the 24-year-old's empathic rise and was optimistic about the champion's potential.

"He’s very eclectic, a good guy, and absolutely a guy who’s making room for himself in MMA," he said. "He has beaten many good fighters, top guys of the division and he’s proven to be a good athlete."

No date has been set for the Brazilian to return, though he has already began training in preparation for a future bout. Rua has yet to know of his next opponent, but he is expected to remain training and stay in shape.

"I don’t know when I’m fighting. Next week I might make some deal, but for now I don’t know anything about it, so I’m taking it easy," he said.