Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Brandon Vera were thrust into an awkward situation during a recent media conference call promoting Saturday night’s UFC on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera event.

After UFC president Dana White confirmed that the winner of Rua-Vera would receive a future UFC light heavyweight title shot, both fighters were asked their opinions on possible rematches with current champion Jon Jones. White has since made a change, including co-main event fighters Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader in the mix for a title shot.

Of course, that means one has to win and move on, and Jones has to defeat Dan Henderson later this year.

Jones has defeated both Vera and Rua in the past, including a win over “Shogun” that earned him the title he still wears.

Here’s what Vera had to say about fighting “Bones” a second time:

I am not looking past ‘Shogun’ at all, but the thought (of fighting Jones) has crossed my mind. The very first time I thought Jon Jones was a young punk. I didn’t train hard, and the outcome showed itself; I got what I deserved. Mr. Jones will have my full undivided attention (the next time we fight).

Rua remarked:

I am 100-percent focused on the fight with Brandon Vera. Later, I will start to think about the future.

It’s a tough position to ask fighters to comment on possible “future” fights while preparing for another bout just a few days away.

Photo credit: James Law/Heavy.com