Lyoto Machida is ready to return following his first-round loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in May and hopes to quickly get back into Light Heavyweight title contention following the first loss of his career.

Possible matches for Machida include Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Forrest Griffin, and Rich Franklin, Machida would prefer a rematch with Rashad Evans for an interim title, with the winner facing Rua in the spring.

“He really, truly feels like a complete fighter now,” Marchida’s manager said. “He knows what it feels like to win. He knows what it’s like to be a champ, and now he knows what’s it’s like to lose. … I guarantee you, he’s going to come back as the best fighter you’ve ever seen. This has only improved him.”