For better or worse, the light heavyweight division’s next top contender will be determined at UFC on Fox 4, where Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Brandon Vera will compete in what many believe to be a very lopsided main event. Should that fight not produce a worthy title challenger, the UFC brass will look to a co-main event bout between Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader.
Since capturing the UFC’s 205-pound championship with a knockout of Machida in May 2010, Rua has lost two of his past three fights. Though Rua’s stock is currently trending downward slightly, a rematch of an epic fight with Dan Henderson would sell well if “Hendo” finds a way to dethrone Jon Jones in September.
For Vera, who was temporarily released from the UFC in 2011, a bout with Rua will provide an opportunity for redemption. Once considered a fighter who could contend in multiple weight divisions, Vera hasn’t been able to defeat a highly-ranked opponent since his knockout win over Frank Mir in November 2006.
Like the main event competitors, Machida and Bader are also hunting a rematch with Jones. Machida fell to the light heavyweight champion in his most recent appearance, but the Brazilian arguably became the first fighter to steal a round from the 205-pound king. Meanwhile, Bader is on a two-fight winning streak and will have a chance to pick up another career-defining win in this co-main event.
Before Saturday’s event, which will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the fighters will hit the scales on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. Video of the weigh-ins will be streamed live on the above video player.
After the weigh-ins, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all the latest on UFC on Fox 4 and the rest of your MMA needs.
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