Mauricio Rua

Nobody hands you anything at light heavyweight. Mauricio Rua — "Shogun" to fight fans — has built a 27-14 record the hard way, one fight at a time since leaving Brazil's regional scene.

On the feet he's a problem: 3.57 significant strikes a minute at 61% accuracy, and 78% of his wins end in a knockout. The math is bad for anyone standing across from him. Add a 76" reach, and the puzzle gets harder still.

He's coming off a loss to Ihor Potieria. Careers aren't defined by the fall, though; they're defined by the rebound.

At 44, the window is what it is — which tends to make every remaining fight more honest, and more dangerous.