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5 Potential Opponents for Rampage Jackson in UFC Return

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By @DanDudleyJr

5 Potential Opponents for Rampage Jackson in UFC Return

5 Potential Opponents for Rampage Jackson in UFC Return
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is set to make his return to the octagon in early-to-mid 2015, with some potentially big-named opponents waiting for his arrival. Here are five potential opponents the UFC could match Rampage up with.

5. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

5. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
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5. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

5. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
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Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is the No. 14-ranked UFC light heavyweight and a veteran of the sport. He's a submission specialist who also holds knockout power. In his late 30s, similar to Rampage, he'll be looking for one last big-named opponent to finish in what has been a successful career. A potential bout with both competitors able to finish the fight early in all departments.

4. Fabio Maldonado

4. Fabio Maldonado
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

4. Fabio Maldonado

4. Fabio Maldonado
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

A potential bout between Rampage and Fabio Maldonado could be a headline event on a Fight Night card in Brazil. Maldonado is one of the best boxers in MMA today, while Rampage is comfortable finishing a fight on the floor or due to strikes. A bout that will inevitably have a highlight-reel knockout finish, this is a potential bout that needs to take place.

3. Jimi Manuwa

UFC Fight Night London Weigh-in
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3. Jimi Manuwa

UFC Fight Night London Weigh-in
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Jimi Manuwa is one of the deadliest and most prolific strikers in the light heavyweight division. He's currently ranked in the top 10 and of his 14 careers wins, he has 13 wins via knockout and only one via submission. Manuwa needs to make a statement and Rampage also needs to make an impact on his return to the division. In what would be a thrilling encounter, with a win, both fighters will gain a step closer to a title shot.

2. Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua

2. Mauricio Rua
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua

2. Mauricio Rua
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

A potential main event rematch with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua could be an arena sellout in both the USA and Brazil. Shogun was the victor in their first encounter in which he won in Round 1 due to soccer kicks, however, Jackson will feel as though Shogun is on his way out of the sport and will see this bout as an early-knockout finish. A bout between two legends of the sport will be highly anticipated by fans everywhere.

1. Lyoto Machida

1. Lyoto Machida
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

1. Lyoto Machida

1. Lyoto Machida
Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the fact that Rampage stated he would fight in the light heavyweight division, a potential rematch with Lyoto Machida is a fight that cannot be looked over. Rampage lost their first encounter due to a razor-close split decision and with revenge on his mind, this could be an outstanding rematch. Either at light heavyweight, middleweight or at a catch-weight bout, this fight could be a main event at any UFC card in 2015.

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