UFC 108: Rodrigo Nogueira to Take on Mexican-American Prospect Cain Velasquez

Fighters.com’s fourth-ranked heavyweight “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1) will fight Cain Velasquez (6-0)  at UFC 108 in Las Vegas January 2, Fighters.com has confirmed with a source close to one of the fighters.

The winner is in line for the next shot at the UFC heavyweight title currently held by second-ranked Brock Lesnar (4-1).

Nogueira lost the interim UFC heavyweight title to third-ranked Frank Mir (12-4) at UFC 92 in Las Vegas in December 2008, later returning to victory over tenth-ranked former UFC Heavyweight champion “The Natural” Randy Couture (16-10) at UFC 102 in Portland August 29.

Velasquez moved forward in contention after a TKO stoppage of “Big” Ben Rothwell (26-7) at UFC 104 in Los Angeles October 24.

Lesnar  was previously scheduled to fight sixth-ranked Shane Carwin (10-0) UFC 106 in Las Vegas November 21, but withdrew due to a reported flu-like illness.  The championship bout had been rumored for UFC 108, but it is not yet certain if Lesnar will be ready for the fight.

Chad Edward contributed to this report.