Dana White Announces The Winner Of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Brandon Vera Gets The Next Light Heavyweight Title Shot

(Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Just a few days prior UFC on FOX 4, UFC president Dana White has announced the stakes have been raised for the winner of the light heavyweight main event between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Brandon Vera.

White confirmed on Monday’s UFC on FOX 4 conference call that the winner of the Rua vs. Vera bout at the Aug. 4 event will be next in line for a 205-pound title fight.

Whichever fighter emerges the victor in Los Angeles will face the winner of the UFC 151 main event between light heavyweight title holder Jon “Bones” Jones and challenger Dan Henderson.

White hyped both potential title challengers to the media on the call, but specifically praised “Shogun” and his past accomplishments.

“(Rua)’s probably one of the best fighters of the last decade.” White said on the call. “Think about it. This guy knocked out ‘Rampage’ (Jackson), knocked out Chuck Liddell, knocked out Mark Coleman, knocked out Lyoto Machida, knocked out Forrest Griffin, knocked out Alistair Overeem twice, submitted Kevin Randleman. A win (at UFC on FOX 4) puts him right back in position, and then he’s probably the No. 2 guy in the world.”

Rua (20-6) was last seen in the octagon at UFC 139 where he battled Dan Henderson in a 25-minute “Fight of the Year” candidate, but was unable to come out on the winning side as the judges awarded Henderson a close decision. It was not long ago that “Shogun” was the champion of the light heavyweight division, but he lost the belt to Jones in March 2011 and will have the chance to earn a rematch with the man who took is belt with a win on Saturday night.

Vera (12-5, 1 NC) has not competed since a controversial unanimous decision victory against Eliot Marshall at UFC 137 in October 2011. Prior to that win, Vera has gone 0-2 with one no contest and was on the verge of being cut from the organization. Vera was slated to face James Te Huna on the UFC on FUEL TV 4 card, but was pulled from the bout to fight Rua. The career of the 34-year-old is now in the midst of rejuvenation as Vera has been granted the opportunity to headline a network television event and earn a title shot against one of the most decorated light heavyweights of all time.

UFC on FOX 4 goes down Aug. 4 from the Staples Center in Las Angeles, California. The get the latest on UFC on FOX 4, click here. For up-to-date versions of all upcoming fight cards, head over to the rumors section.

Mike Bohn, founder and lead writer of FightCove.com, wrote this article. You can follow Mike on Twitter at @FightCoveMike. Also, be sure to follow @FightCove on Twitter and “Like” Fight Cove on Facebook.