Last night, a surprising announcement came from UFC President Dana White: The winner of Saturday night’s main event between Shogun Rua and Brandon Vera would receive a title shot.
There was tremendous backlash from the public upon hearing this announcement, as both Vera and Shogun have been dominated by Jon Jones in previous fights, and “The Truth” is nowhere near being ranked these days.
This morning, White has made an amendment to that statement, as first reported by USA Today. The evening’s co-main event, featuring a battle between light-heavyweights Ryan Bader and Lyoto Machida, could also determine the next challenger at 205 pounds.
“I put together the fights that fans want to see,” White said. “The fans didn’t like the Rua and Vera choice, so here it is: The guy that wins most impressively on Saturday night out of the co-main event and the main event will get the shot at the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson.”
While this certainly gives the UFC more options in the event that Vera serves up an upset on FOX, we are still looking at a series of fighters who have already fallen to the reigning champion.
Jon Jones will look to defend his championship for the fourth time in September, when he battles Dan Henderson in the main event of UFC 151.
If Henderson finds himself successful in dethroning Jonny Bones, most of these matchups would be exciting for fans. Hendo vs Machida or Hendo vs Shogun II could prove to be an excellent matchup.
UFC on Fox 4: Shogun vs. Vera takes place Saturday at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. A four-fight main card airs on Fox. Prelims will air on FUEL TV beginning at 5pm EST.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com