Lyoto Machida's next fight: Jacare Souza an option after UFC Fight Night 36

In the main event of last night's (Sat., Feb. 15, 2014) UFC Fight Night 36: "Machida vs. Mousasi" show on Fox Sports 1 from Arena Jaragua in Brazil, Lyoto Machida earned a strong unanimous decision win over Gegard Mousasi (watch highlights here), firmly entrenching himself as a top contender in the 185-pound division.

In the co-main event of last night's (Sat., Feb. 15, 2014) UFC Fight Night 36: "Machida vs. Mousasi" show on Fox Sports 1 from Arena Jaragua in Brazil, Ronaldo Souza earned a strong unanimous decision win over Francis Carmont (watch highlights here), firmly entrenching himself as a top contender in the 185-pound division.

You see where I'm going with this?

Considering the fact that the upcoming Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort middleweight title fight isn't scheduled to go down until UFC 173 on May 24 in Las Vegas, that creates the need for Machida and Souza to stay busy with at least one more fight before challenging the winner.

So why not pair them against each other and call it a true top contender fight?

When asked at the UFC Fight Night 36 post-fight press conference, "Jacare" had the following to say:

Jacare on fighting Machida next: "This fight can happen, yes. I wouldn't like this fight, but I'd take it."

— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) February 16, 2014

And Machida?

Machida on fighting Jacare: "Like Jacare said, I wouldn't like this fight, but I'd take it."

— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) February 16, 2014

Now we just need UFC matchmaker Joe Silva and promotion President Dana White to sign off and we're all set.

Sound good to you, Maniacs?

For more results, play-by-play and LIVE fight coverage of the UFC Fight Night 36: "Machida vs. Mousasi" event, including recaps, videos, reactions and more click here and here.