UFC on FX 5: John Dodson vs Jussier Da Silva winner gets next flyweight title shot

Recently, (Sept. 22, 2012) the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight title fight took place at UFC 152.

In that 125-pound fight, Demetrius Johnson edged out a decision victory over the betting favorite, Joseph Benavidez. "Mighty Mouse" went through two of the most highly regarded flyweights in all of mixed martial arts (MMA) -- the other being Ian McCall -- to earn his spot atop the promotion's smallest division.

And, until now, the flyweight title picture looked a little murky.

One fight that many fight fans considered a possible number one contender eliminator match was the upcoming contest between The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 14 winner, John Dodson, and longtime flyweight Jussier da Silva. The two are set to compete this Friday night (Oct. 5, 2012) at UFC on FX 5, which will take place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Now, it appears that the highly anticipated bout will have serious title implications, as earlier today, MMA Fighting confirmed that Dodson and Da Silva will indeed be fighting for a title shot.

Dodson (13-5, 2-0 UFC) is an exciting product of Jackson's MMA in Albequerque, New Mexico. He is known mostly for his time on TUF 14, in which he defeated Team Alpha Male product T.J. Dillashaw in the finals at 135 pounds. Since then, Dodson has gone back to his natural weight class of flyweight, defeating Tim Elliot by unanimous decision in a "Prelims" match up on UFC on Fox 3.

He is one of few flyweights with legitimate knockout power, and he fights at a very high pace. His skills may prove just the right combination to upstage da Silva and earn him a shot at the title.

Da Silva (14-1, 0-0 UFC) has long been a flyweight fighter, competing mostly under the Tachi Palace and Shooto banners. Half of his victories come by submission, and he is a very legitimate threat when the fight hits the mat. The most recognizable opponent on his fight record is also his only loss, having been defeated by McCall at a Tachi Palace event early last year.

Since then, he has strung together five wins, and will be looking for his sixth in a row with a win over Dodson, which would also happen to place him in title contention.

To check out the latest UFC on FX 5: "Browne vs. Bigfoot" fight card and rumors click here.