UFC middleweight Machida looks to position himself for title fight

Former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida could earn a title shot at middleweight in just his second bout at 185 pounds with a victory over Gegard Mousasi tonight, according to Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White.

Mousasi also could be considered with an exceptional performance in the main event of the UFC card in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil.

Machida will fight at the weight for the second time after he debuted at middleweight with a first-round knockout of Mark Munoz in October.

The winner of a middleweight bout between Francis Carmont and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza also will be well-positioned in the mix at 185 pounds.

The event, which airs live on Fox Sports 1 (Cable 329) at 7:30 p.m., includes a welterweight bout between Erick Silva and Takenori Sato.