Shogun Rua may postpone drop to middleweight to fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at TUF: 'Brazil 4' Finale

After his coaching duties against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF): "Brazil 4" have wrapped (see the roster here), Mauricio Rua could be trading punches against "Big Nog's" little brother, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

That's according to a report from MMA Fighting, which suggests that a rematch between "Shogun" and "Lil Nog" could serve as the headlining bout for the show's finale. Which is why Rua says his potential drop down to the middleweight division could be postponed.

"I don't know about (dropping to 185 pounds) because I might fight with ‘Minotouro' next," Rua said. "I leave that decision with my coaches and my manager. They will make the call. Whatever they do, I'm happy."

The two light heavyweight standouts first collided in PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005 in what was one of the best fights of the year. After a wild 20 minutes of action that saw both men have their shining moments, "Shogun" was awarded the unanimous decision win.

And fans have been clamoring for an encore ever since. Though he is game, Rua says the bout is far from confirmed at the moment.

"People are talking about it, but I respect both Rodrigo and Rogerio and the UFC hasn't talked about it with me or my manager. I admire them, but I would fight (Rogerio), yes. I'm a professional, but there's nothing set yet," he concluded.

"Shogun" has dropped two straight in UFC's crowded light heavyweight division to Dan Henderson and Ovince St-Preux, forcing the former division champion to contemplate a drop down a weight class in hopes of a fresh start.

But with the possibility of engaging in another epic fight against Nogueira -- who was last seen getting knocked out by No. 1 light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson at UFC on FOX 12 (video)  -- Rua could be plying his trade at 205 pounds one more time before shedding some weight.

Any of you Maniacs opposed to this potential hard-hitting scrap?

For more on TUF: "Brazil 4" click here.