Looks like Dana White is upping the ante for the UFC 114 main event.
The Octagon boss today confirmed that newly-crowned light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua will make his first title defense against the winner of Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans, who collide on May 29 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Shogun" finished what he started in October 2009, getting the better of then-division champion Lyoto Machida back on May 8 during their UFC 113 main event rematch from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
After putting the once seemingly-invincible Machida on ice, Rua now turns his attention to a couple of former Ultimate Fighter coaches -- and ex-UFC light heavyweight champions.
Of course "Rampage" was among the Brazilian's victims during his storied run under the PRIDE banner, which also included wins over Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem and another burgeoning 205-pound import in Antonio Rogerio Nogueira."I think Rampage [will win], but it's close to 50/50 to me. I'd say 55% for Rampage, 45% Rashad. To me Rampage or Rashad, it doesn't make a difference, they are both top fighters. But a fight against Rampage would be good ... for the pay-per-view."
Rua struggled in the early part of his Octagon career, falling to Forrest Griffin in his 2007 debut and then turning in a stinker against Mark Coleman the second time out.
A TKO win over Chuck Liddell vaulted him into a UFC 104 title fight against "The Dragon" last October, but a controversial decision left him high and dry until May 8.
Now he is officially the "Undisputed" champion.
Fans, like Shogun, are pretty much split right down the middle on picking a winner of "Rampage vs. Evans." Which fighter gives the champion a run for his money?
Both? Neither?
Let's hear your take, Maniacs.
Get the latest gear
