UFC: Five Viable Opponents for Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

Mauricio Rua has run hot and cold since he debuted under the UFC banner back in 2007, never stringing together more than two wins at a time, though never suffering defeat in back-to-back contests.

The inconsistency in performance thus far is attributable to a handful of factors, such as the health of his oft-operated on knees and strength of schedule. But regardless of the variables that have pushed Rua down the road of past glories, the Brazilian is still a relatively young man (30) in what should be the prime of his career.

As a former Pride Grand Prix and UFC champion, Shogun is firmly entrenched in a position that is both enviable and pitiable, facing nothing but top competition from here on out. 

Whether or not his body holds up will be the decisive factor in determining whether Rua can transition into his early 30s successfully, trouncing competition en route to another title shot or shutting down and yielding to the next generation of contenders. 

While assessing this projection will have to happen over a minimum of a few years, Shogun's next performance will be a strong indication of what to expect over the course of his next several bouts.

Here, we will examine five possible opponents with whom Shogun can seek to rebuild his star over. 

Dan Henderson

This fight isn't my first choice for either Shogun or Hendo, but it is not without its appeal.

The first time these two went at it, back in November 2011, was an epic battle for the ages that no MMA fan would refuse a sixth round of. Making a rematch all the more intriguing is that the outcome of the first tilt was indecisive. The judges awarded the victory to Henderson, but it would be awfully difficult to argue that the fight was one-sided.

Henderson is currently in limbo, supposedly waiting to fight the winner of Jon Jones-Rashad Evans, prepared to take a fight against another light heavyweight contender and readying to drop to 185 pounds to climb the middleweight ladder, all at the same time.

It seems that the UFC is uncertain as to what to do with Henderson. Perhaps an immediate rematch against Rua would lack purpose, but I doubt it would garner a whole lot of complaints.

Antonia Rogerio Nogueira

Little Nog was recently replaced by Thiago Silva for the UFC on FUEL TV 2 card, set for April 14.

Though on the shelf for awhile to come, perhaps he will feel well enough for a summer showdown against a fellow Brazilian.

A match later this year would signify the second time these two have hooked up in battle. Shogun owns a decision win over Nogueira as a part of his run to the Pride Grand Prix Middleweight (205 pounds in Pride) title. 

That bout from June, 2005, marked the first time Shogun struggled to stand and trade with his opponent, winning in large part because of his numerous takedowns.

A second fight would present an intriguing tussle between two accomplished strikers that have evolved since their days fighting in Japan. 

Lyoto Machida

While we are on the subject of rematches, how about Lyoto Machida?

The score stands at 1-1 between these two, with Machida owning a dubious decision win over Rua, and Rua a crushing knockout over the Dragon.

The second time these guys squared off—the bout that made Rua UFC light heavyweight champion—may have convinced the majority of UFC fans that he is the superior fighter, but a third bout would grant each combatant with a tremendous opportunity.

For Machida, who has lost three of his last four, a win over Rua would bring back a bit of the shine and glitter that has worn off his once pristine name.

For Shogun, a rubber match would present a chance to tilt the score in a feud that official stands at even.

Phil Davis

Davis is a problematic matchup for Rua, as the former's wrestling is not something a striking-based fighter wants to deal with. Even so, the bout would have the potential to be a good one and would go a long way in sifting out the top light heavyweight contenders from the pack.

Davis is coming off a schooling at the hands of Rashad Evans, who will challenge division leader Jon Jones, for his UFC crown. While Evans himself would present an awesome opponent for Rua, the TUF alum is occupied and not currently a viable candidate. Davis, however, is.

In Davis, Shogun would be given the division's most highly regarded up-and-comer. The bout would be a classic depiction of striker versus grappler and would reveal whose strength is strongest. 

Ryan Bader

Before Ryan Bader spoiled the party, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's return to Japan was supposed to be a gateway to a Shogun rematch. 

Unfortunately for those salivating at the prospect, Jackson was handled by Bader, who took home a one-sided decision victory.

Bader's win over Jackson has sent the latter into a tailspin, removing him from any form of contendership and possibly the promotion altogether. The win also suggests that Bader has usurped Rampage's position as a viable option for Rua.

This is why Bader should be Rua's next opponent.

As with Davis, the fight would be a showcase of striker versus grappler, though Bader is not inept on his feet.

Furthermore, the bout is the most logical option for sorting out a clustered light heavyweight division and is the option that should mold reality to its image before long.