Monday Morning Hangover: Shogun still struggling, suffers second straight knockout loss ... so now what?

Another action-packed weekend of fisticuffs has come and gone, as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) staged two events in as many nights with UFC Fight Night 55 going down Sydney, Australia, on Fri., Nov. 7, 2014, and UFC Fight Night 56 going down Sat., Nov. 8, 2014 in Uberlandia, Brazil.

Plenty of fighters were left licking their wounds, including Michael Bisping, who was submitted (video) by Luke Rockhold in "The Land Down Under." And Ross Pearson, who was knocked out by Al Iaquinta (recap).

But which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed?

Mauricio Rua.

"Shogun" looked to get back on the winning track by taking on Ovince St. Preux, who took the bout on a week's notice after Mauricio's original opponent, Jimi Manuwa, was forced out of the light heavyweight contest with an unfortunate foot injury.

A win would've given Rua a much-needed boost in his legendary career, as he's had a rough stretch as of late, losing three of his last four, including getting knocked out and having his nose rearranged by Dan Henderson at UFC Fight Night 38 earlier this year in his previous bout.

Unfortunately for Mauricio, the fight was over shortly after it began, as he suffered his second knockout in as many fights thanks to a perfectly-timed and well-placed left hook by Ovince; which sent the former Pride superstar crashing to the canvas.

Full video highlights here.

From there, it was pretty much elementary, as Ovince wailed down on "Shogun," striking him in the face repeatedly until the referee had no other choice but to put a stop to the beat down. The loss was not only devastating for Rua's hopes of getting another title shot, but also for his overall MMA career, as well.

While the Brazilian bomber isn't exactly old (32), he does have plenty of miles on his body as far as the fight business is concerned. And it's all thanks to his legendary and brutal fights he had during his stint in Pride as well as inside the Octagon.

He's dished out plenty of punishment, but he's also been on the receiving end of it, too

No one will ever question Rua's heart, as he always goes out and swings for the fences and puts on a show to entertain fans. This time, however, his push-the-pace mentality got the best of him, as his bull rush ultimately cost him the fight

The future definitely looks bleak and uncertain for Rua, so predicting his next fight is a pretty tough task. Since his recent loss will certainly send him tumbling down the rankings, getting a high-profile fight or a top-10 opponent, likely won't be in the cards.

Like Nostradumbass, I believe Mauricio should consider a drop to middleweight in an attempt to rejuvenate his career. That is, of course, if the former UFC light heavyweight champion doesn't decide to call it a day.

You know that'd make his family happy.

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