UFC Fight Night 55: Ovince St-Preux can end up becoming a legend by beating one like Shogun Rua

Ovince St. Preux received an opportunity that doesn't come around too often, pegged as a late replacement to face long-time mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran, Mauricio Rua, after "Shogun's" original opponent, Jimu Manuwa, was forced to bow out of the fight with a broken foot.

And much like Manuwa, "OSP" is grateful and honored for the chance to compete against the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion and 2005 Pride FC Middleweight Grand Prix winner in the main event of UFC Fight Night 56, which takes place on Nov. 8, 2014, in Uberlandia, Brazil.

With a win, not only can St-Preux earn himself a higher spot in the divisional rankings, but he could end up becoming a legend by beating a legend like Rua.

At least that's what he thinks (via FOX Sports):

"The opportunity in itself to fight him is a blessing. Just to fight a legend and by beating a legend, you could end up becoming one."

Of course, defeating a veteran like "Shogun," who at the age of 32, has the fight experience and wins under his belt that have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats, will be no easy task.

As for St-Preux, he was on the fast track to the top of the division after reeling off five straight victories dating back to his Strikeforce days, with four of those wins coming inside the Octagon. But, after losing to Ryan Bader at UFC Fight Night 47 earlier this year, the 205-pound standout will be forced to start from scratch.

This time, however, St-Preux vows not to get complacent ahead of one of the biggest fights of his career.

"I tell people the number one thing about being a fighter, especially if you're on a good winning streak, you get complacent. If you're supposed to work on 10 things, you end up just doing two or three of them. That happened to me. It was a good learning experience. I know what to expect now. I know I can stay in there with the best of them. 'Shogun' has been in the game since before I ever thought anything about fighting. It was unexpected, but it's good news."

With only two weeks to prepare for Rua, St-Preux knows he has a huge task ahead of him. But, when offered a fight against a MMA staple like Rua, it's something you don't turn down.

Especially if it can get you closer to legendary status.