Photo: Courtesy of Cage Potato
The UFC will make its return Canada on June 15 when they host their pay-per-view event at the MTS Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
USA Today broke the details regarding UFC 161 on Tuesday, which will feature pivotal light heavyweight bouts between Dan Henderson and Rashad Evans, as well as Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
“Hendo” vs. “Suga” is a must-win situation for either fighter to remain in the title conversation at 205-pounds.
Henderson, a former PRIDE and Strikeforce champion, lost a split decision to Lyoto Machida at UFC 157, while Evans dropped a lackluster decision to Nogueira at UFC 156.
Speaking of “Lil Nog,” he has now defeated two former UFC champions back-to-back, Evans and Tito Ortiz, and would immediately be considered a top five contender at light heavyweight with a win over Rua.
Rua actually defeated Nogueira under the PRIDE banner in June 2005, a bout that earned “Fight of the Year” honors by Sherdog.
Shogun has not looked like the same fighter in recent memory though, going 2-3 in his past five fights and not defeating a top 10 opponent since winning the light heavyweight title from Lyoto Machida at UFC 113 in May 2010.
Another loss for Rua would likely push him back to gatekeeper status at 205-pounds.
The only other bout currently rumored for the card is a welterweight scrap between Jake Shields and Tyron Woodley. Various MMA media outlets have reported the match up, but the UFC is yet to confirm the bout.