"I don't think it's fair. I think Rodrigo (Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira) was in line to fight for the title and it is unfair that he won't get the fight, but as the MMA does not follow a ranking, we have to go with the decisions of the UFC. It will be a good fight though. Both are top contenders and it is always good for us to analyze and have a better sense of the adversaries we face. It will be a great fight. It's kind of hard (to predict the winner)... If the fight is standing then Carwin has more chances to win, but if it goes to the ground then Mir has more chances. I'll be on the fence. I have no favorites (laughs)." -Junior Dos Santos

Exciting UFC heavyweight up-and-comer Junior dos Santos expresses his discontent with the UFC's decision to pair former champion Frank Mir against fellow rising star Shane Carwin for the UFC's interim heavyweight title -- essentially passing up his mentor and MMA legend, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Dos Santos, who actively trains with Nogueira, is preparing to compete this Saturday at UFC 108 against tough veteran Gilbert Yvel.

Nogueira (32-5-1) is 3-1 in his UFC career with big wins coming over Heath Herring, Tim Sylvia and Randy Couture. His only UFC loss came against Mir in a fight that Nogueira took after suffering though a difficult bout with a staff infection. As a result, the former Pride champion was primed let down heading into the fight, and was subsequently knocked out for the first time in his illustrious career.

Nogueira will have a chance to make a strong statement about his place in the UFC's heavyweight pecking order if he can get past highly regarded heavyweight prospect Cain Velasquez at UFC 110. The two will lock horns on February 21 in what will be the promotions first Australian event.