Dana White: Lyoto Machida, not Gegard Mousasi, could earn Middleweight title shot with win at UFC Fight Night 36

That was quick!

Lyoto Machida is set to fight again at Middleweight at UFC Fight Night 36 against Gegard Mousasi in Natal, Brazil, on Feb. 15, 2014.

Mousasi recently suggested that a win could possibly position him as next in line to face the winner of 185-pound champion Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort, who collide at UFC 173 on Memorial Day weekend (May 24, 2014). However, during an interview on FOX Sports 1's "FOX Sports Live" last night, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White declared "The Dragon" seemingly has everything to gain ... and lose.

His words:

"Yes, if Machida wins, he could possibly be next in line for a title shot."

After losing to Phil Davis via decision at UFC 163, the former Light Heavyweight champion took a step back to re-assess his mixed martial arts (MMA) future. He came back two months later 20 pounds lighter at UFC Fight Night 30 to dismantle his good friend, Mark Munoz, via head kick in the first round.

His opponent this time around, Mousasi, will likely pose a bigger threat, even though "Dream Catcher" hasn't seen action inside the Octagon since April 2013 when he lackadaisically defeated UFC newcomer Ilir Latifi at UFC on Fuel TV 9.

Mousasi, unlike Machida, clearly will have more work to do with a win next weekend.

To check out the latest UFC Fight Night 36: "Machida vs. Mousasi" fight card and rumors click here.