Let It Reign: Handicapping UFC Champions

Biggest in-house threat: Mauricio Rua

The decision versus Machida went against him at UFC 104, but Rua’s performance was a case study in game plan execution and admirable patience. He developed a sound strategy and stuck to it, consistently finishing exchanges and landing the harder shots.

If Machida wins their eventual rematch, it will likely be close. Do not let that fool you regarding the champion’s staying power against other contenders; few, if any, have the tools to match up with him the way Rua does. Outside of a Matt Serra-style stunner, it is hard to see anyone outworking the clever Machida.

Acquisition you’d love to see: Gegard Mousasi

The streaking light heavyweight has a gaudy record of 27-2-1, and since his last defeat in 2006, he has reeled off 14 consecutive wins. Mousasi reminds one of a younger Georges St. Pierre -- the updated software version that does everything so well, one wonders if he’s real.

Who’ll turn the trick? Rua -- or a guy we have not heard of yet, with a blue-chip wrestling background and Mark Schultz-caliber takedowns.