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[MrSpanky]

I saw the article posted that Shogun would get the shot if he wins, but I had to share this article which says that Brandon Vera would get a title shot instead if he wins. It would be a tragedy if Vera gets a shot after only winning against Elliot Marshall and Shogun because he looked terrible in his previous three fights. Even an impressive win against Shogun would not merit him a title shot.

When UFC on Fox 4 ends, either Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua or Brandon Vera will have earned the next shot at the UFC light heavyweight title.

It came with some shock during a media conference call on Monday that UFC President Dana White backed up an earlier statement by saying that the winner of the main event at this weekend’s UFC on Fox 4 show would indeed get the next crack at the 205lb belt.

According to White, the winner between Rua and Vera will face the winner of the upcoming UFC 151 main event between light heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones and Dan Henderson.

“Yes,” White answered when asked the direct question about the main event fight crowning the next No. 1 contender at light heavyweight.

“Shogun Rua just came off the fight of the year last year and he’s probably one of the greatest fighters in the world in the last decade. 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 puts this guy right back into position, and he’s probably the No. 2 guy in the world.”

The scenarios in this situation seem mind boggling to most, especially considering the ramifications if Jones defeats Henderson in early September.

Jones mauled Brandon Vera via first round TKO when they met at UFC on Versus 1 back in May 2010, and then did very much the same thing to Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua when he captured the light heavyweight strap in March 2011 at UFC 128.

Should Jones get past Henderson, it appears he will be set for a rematch against one of the two main event fighters at UFC on Fox 4.

Since his loss to Jones, Rua has only appeared in the Octagon one time, losing by decision to Dan Henderson at UFC 139.

Meanwhile, Brandon Vera has gone 1-2-1 over his last four fights, but a win at UFC on Fox 4 will earn the UFC veteran his first title shot since joining the company in 2005.

White also stated that it doesn’t matter how impressive either Ryan Bader or Lyoto Machida were in the co-main event of the evening, the winner in the main event would be the one challenging either Jones or Henderson for the title next.

UFC on Fox 4 goes down Saturday night from the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcasts live on Fox starting at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

Source: Dana White: Winner of Shogun vs. Vera Gets Next Title Shot | MMAWeekly.com

[disposableassassin]

They must REALLY be banking on shogun to win. Now I REALLY hope Vera wins. I want to watch the UFC hype machine try and pass Vera off as a legitimate contender.

[Qball1974]

Lmao if Vera is fights for the title!!! Better have a solid undercard.

[Masscore]

Man if a guy was ever given the opportunity to redeem himself and his entire career it would be Vera right now. I am rooting for him now, nothing like a good underdog story.

[ckauffman28]

No way they can sell Jones vs Vera 2... the guy just struggled with Elliot Marshall. Shogun i can see getting a shot but still think he needs at least one more fight before hand

[K1NG P3NN]

The head honchos at the UFC must have been REAL baked when they decided this.

[DaSpiderFan24]

Originally Posted by Masscore

Man if a guy was ever given the opportunity to redeem himself and his entire career it would be Vera right now. I am rooting for him now, nothing like a good underdog story.

100% agree if Vera wins what a turn around it would be... But i think Vera wont be able to take advantage of this huge opportunity, he hasnt done well in such a long time... Shogun takes it...

[mmawolverine]

well this is interesting if jones retains he smashed both these guys faces two nice guys so i guess they are banking on a revenge of the nice guy theme or maybe they think henderson will knock goliath into oblivion at the end of the day if it gets me a rematch of shgun vs henderson im very very pleased but if it yields us worst case rematch of vera vs jones this could be a debacle

[CtGreat]

Oh my goodness, can you imagine the shitstorm if Vera beats shogun? Would anyone here actually expect Dana to keep his word?

[Spoon]

No way they give it to Vera, unless he absolutely destroys Shogun. The likelyhood of that happening is slim to none. Wouldn't be the first time they've made title contention claims, and then immediately "changed their minds", after the fighter they wanted to win didn't. Honestly I'm still shocked that Hendo is still getting the shot, after his no-finish Shogun fight.