As we come closer and closer to Strikeforce finally closing its doors and shutting down for good, we're going to hear more and more about fighters from that organization negotiating new contracts with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Add Gegard Mousasi to the list.

The former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion hasn't actually competed since Dec. 17, 2011, when he defeated Ovince St. Preux via unanimous decision at the "Melendez vs. Masvidal" event in San Diego, California, but he's got a bout lined up on Jan. 12, 2013, against Mike Kyle at what is expected to be Strikeforce's final event.

After that, he's free to head for the Octagon.

He's got big plans once he gets there, too. In an interview with FCFighter.com, Mousasi says he wants to fight Mauricio Rua:

"That would be a good fight. That would be an exciting fight. He's the kind of guy who likes to fight. I like to fight guys like him who come to fight instead of fight(ing) to win. I am 100 percent positive about my abilities to beat anybody. I don't doubt myself I just have to have my priorities right. I know I can beat anybody."

He might be biting off a bit more than he can chew there, especially considering his resume probably isn't good enough to warrant a bout against a top-five ranked light heavyweight.

Plus, there's no telling where both men will be after their upcoming fights. "Shogun" is scheduled to take on Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on Fox 5: "Henderson vs. Diaz" on Dec. 8 in Seattle, Washington. A victory there would put him right back into title contention and likely one fight away from another crack at the 205-pound crown.

Can Mousasi go from Mike Kyle to that? Unlikely. But hey, he's gotta start somewhere and it's good to have goals.

Aim high.