UFC 140 Fight Card: What Would a Win for Frank Mir Mean?

When Frank Mir steps into the Octagon against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 140, there will be an overwhelming sense of familiarity.

Not just with his opponent, but also because of the ramifications that would follow for Mir should he emerge victorious again.

After their first matchup, Mir was awarded a title shot against Brock Lesnar at UFC 100.

If Mir walks out of Canada a winner, he could be looking a title shot for his next fight.

Mir should be considered a top-five heavyweight by fans, but he fails to get the respect he deserves due to his attitude and lack luster performance against Mirco "Cro Cop." A win against "Big Nog" should solidify his place among the top heavyweights.

Dana White has already said the winner of Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem is next in line for a title shot and there's no questioning that logic.

Next in line after that should be Mir. And it will definitely come to fruition if Mir can defeat Nogueira for a second time.

What would help Mir's case is a definitive finish.

The bout against "Cro Cop" did end in a vicious KO, but it was after two and a half rounds of pure boredom (Trust me, I was there. It was boring).

Mir followed that up with a dominant performance against Roy Nelson but was unable to keep the fight where he wanted it and continuously allowed Nelson to get back to his feet.

If Mir can defeat Nogueira in dominating fashion again, it will be tough for White to ignore the former champion's credentials. If Mir could submit the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, it would for sure make him the next top contender.

Mir should be on his way to a title shot with a victory over "Big Nog" but he controls his own destiny as far as when the title shot comes. It could be in his next fight if he wins convincingly, or he may have to wait even longer.

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, from pre-fight predictions to in-fight coverage, results and post-fight analysis.