Jacare Souza agrees to fight Yoel Romero ... but only if it's a UFC title eliminator bout

Sorry, Dan Henderson, but it looks like you'll have to find another dance partner.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight division has suddenly become crowded with plenty of contenders ready and willing to vie for the title on any given night.

And if a potential bout between Ronaldo Souza and Yoel Romero sees the light of day, the title picture could become a bit clearer.

According to a report from UFC Tonight, Team Romero has requested that the Olympic silver medalist get a top five opponent for his next fight inside the Octagon; preferably one that would get him closer to a shot at the strap.

Enter Souza, the man who is the favorite to be the next in line to face the winner of the upcoming 185-pound title fight between Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort. According to the report, "Jacare" is open to the fight, but only if it's a guaranteed No. 1 contender fight.

"I spoke to his manager, and they asked the UFC for a fight in January or February. They want a top-five guy, a title-contender fight. I asked about Jacare Souza, and they said they would take it. I contacted Jacare and he said yes, he'd take the fight if it was a number-one contender fight."

Interesting.

While Jacare and Co. recently expressed their desire to take on Dan Henderson in a "special" light heavyweight fight to kill some time before his title shot, facing a top contender like Romero -- a man who fights at middleweight -- makes a bit more sense.

The fight has all the makings of a great grappling match, as Souza has made a name for himself as one of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world, while Romero rose to fame as an Olympic medal winner in the 2000 summer games.

But, both men are more than capable of handling their business on the feet, as well.

Romero is coming off an impressive (and highly controversial) knockout victory over Tim Kennedy at UFC 178 last month. Ronaldo, meanwhile, punched his ticket to the front of the middleweight line after he schooled Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night 50.

How about it Maniacs, are any of you opposed to this match up?