Shogun Ruah: 5 Fights We Want to See Him Take Next

Lorenzo Fertitta gave the UFC fans the opportunity to perhaps choose Mauricio "Shogun" Rua's next opponent by tweeting, "Give me some opponents you want to see for shogun!"

Fertitta's Twitter page lit up with fan responses with a wide variety of opponents. Fertitta speculated that Rua could return sometime in June or July.

Rua was last seen engaging in one of the best fights in MMA history against fellow legend, Dan Henderson. Although "Shogun" would lose a decision, his stock in the light heavyweight rankings didn't falter very much, if at all.

There are a number options available for the former UFC champion range from title contenders to novelty fights. Certainly, there are more than five fighters available, but these have to be near the top of the list for any MMA fan.

Quinton Jackson

This would be a rematch of their encounter in Pride. Quinton Jackson and Mauricio Rua both have been very vocal about facing each other again.

Jackson has credited Rua with giving him one of the worst beatings of his life. Indeed, the fight was very brutal.

The match makes sense for Jackson, as he's on the tail end of his career, but a win over Jackson means nothing for "Shogun." This match would be made in order to sell a lot of tickets, something it would no doubt achieve.

Ryan Bader

Ryan Bader is coming off a win against Quinton Jackson at UFC 144 after losing two straight to begin his 2011 campaign.

The UFC typically doesn't match a fighter with a win in his last bout against one who just lost, but it's hard to call Mauricio Rua a loser in his bout with Dan Henderson.

Bader showed improved striking and conditioning against Jackson, but he also was fighting a clearly broken Jackson. A bout against a game "Shogun" would provide a barometer of just how far Bader has advanced his game.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

In what was the fight of the year for many MMA fans in 2005, Mauricio Rua squared off against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at Pride Critical Countdown 2005.

Nogueira was scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson, but a knee injury forced him to back out of the fight. Barring any serious setbacks, this rematch would provide UFC fans with fireworks and Pride fanboys with a bit of nostalgia.

"Little Nog" is coming off an impressive performance against Tito Ortiz, and facing Rua would give the Brazilian a chance to avenge the close decision loss.

Lyoto Machida

The first encounter between Mauricio Rua and Lyoto Machida was a tactful battle that saw the champion retain his belt amid a controversial decision.

In the rematch, Rua dethroned the previously unbeaten Machida with a thunderous overhand punch. The rubber match may not mean as much as it did then, but it could still be a possible title eliminator bout.

Machida has voiced his wishes to face Jon Jones again, and Rua undoubtedly would like to avenge that dreadful performance he had against Jones.

Phil Davis

Phil Davis looked like a broken man against Rashad Evans in their bout. The previously unbeaten Davis failed to mount any offense against the No. 1 contender.

A match against Mauricio Rua would be a win-win situation for both fighters and the UFC. Davis could use the win over a big name to reestablish himself in the upper level of 205-pounders, and Rua could use the win to jump back into the mix for a title shot.

The UFC would benefit because a win by either man would give the UFC a credible name to bring up the ranks to challenge Jon Jones (or whomever the champion may be).