Multiple media sources have suggested that the UFC is in the process of signing a light heavyweight fight between Brandon Vera and Thiago Silva for UFC 125. The card is expected to take place on Jan. 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Back in 2006, Vera was the hottest thing to hit the heavyweight division in a long time. However since 2007, he is only 3-5 in the UFC. A pair of losses to Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Werdum chased him down to the light heavyweight division, but he has continued to struggle.
He is currently riding a two-fight losing streak. Last November, UFC legend Randy Couture took a controversial decision victory over Vera. In March, Vera returned, but Jon Jones stopped him with a vicious elbow strike to the orbital bone late in the first round.
Silva won his first 13 professional fights including four-straight to begin his UFC career. Since 2009, Silva is only 1-2 with losses coming against former champions Lyoto Machida and Rashad Evans. Last August, Silva knocked out Keith Jardine with a nasty left hook.
Both fighters will be looking to keep pace in the light heavyweight division. The current champion, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is sitting out with an injury, while number-one contender Rashad Evans has said publicly that he will wait for a title shot.
So far, this is the only fight rumored for the UFC’s New Year’s day offering.
Great matchup for both fighters. Makes perfect since.