TheFightNetwork.com is reporting that Mauricio "Shogun" Rua confirmed to the site this past weekend that he could be facing Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at this year's year-end UFC event.

While talk of such a fight appears to be in its preliminary stages, the possibility of the bout taking place in 2008 has to have MMA fans salivating.

Rua defeated Jackson back in a 2005 PRIDE event by first-round TKO and prior to his entry into the UFC, he was considered the number one light heavyweight in the world. Rua went 12-1 in PRIDE, with most of his wins by knockout. He is a former Chute Boxe fighter, who used to train with Wanderlei Silva.

However, Rua's time in the UFC has been marked by a debut submission loss to Forrest Griffin in 2007 and problems with injuries since then.

Jackson, the former UFC light heavyweight champ, has had his share of well-publicized troubles recently. Ironically enough his problems also began with a loss to Griffin (at UFC 86), which cost him the belt.

While Jackson may still be in legal trouble due to his July 15 hit-and-run spree that came shortly after his UFC 86 loss, recent reports have indicated that UFC President Dana White would like Jackson to fight again as soon as possible.

For all the details, head over to TheFightNetwork.com.

(Photo of Mauricio Rua courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)