According to multiple outlets, a critical light heavyweight match-up between Brandon Vera and Thiago Silva has been arranged for a yet-to-be announced UFC 125 event on New Year’s Day.
Sources close to the situation confirmed the scrap with MMAJunkie.com on Wednesday.
Silva was one of the world’s most promising 205-pounders just a couple years back, however the Brazilian has dropped two of his last three contests. Both of his defeats came against former champions in Lyoto Machida at UFC 94, and most recently to Rashad Evans at UFC 108 in January.
The American Top Team fighter was battling back injuries heading into his unanimous decision loss to Evans, and things have just finally started to turn around for the slugger. Now that he’s healthy and back to training, Silva is hoping an impressive finish over Vera can get him back in the title mix.
Speaking of the injury bug, Vera underwent surgery to repair a cracked cheek and orbital bone courtesy of Jon Jones’ elbow. The Filipino holds a respectable 11-5 record, however his career certainly isn’t where most excepted – and he likely hoped – it would be four years ago.
Like in Silva’s case, it’s nothing that a devastating ending can’t cure.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada is rumored to be hosting the show. No other bouts have been rumored for the fight card.
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