Clifford Starks replaces Thiago Silva, faces Mike Kyle at WSOF 22

UFC and Bellator veteran Clifford Starks has replaced fellow UFC veteran Thiago Silva for this Saturday’s WSOF 22 in a bout opposite Strikeforce alumnus Mike Kyle, the promotion announced Tuesday. Silva was ruled ineligible to compete by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) this week due to a previous suspension he served in the state following a bout with Brandon Vera at UFC 125 where the Brazilian turned in a falsified urine sample.

Silva will follow up with the NAC at a hearing in August.

“We hope that Thiago will take the steps necessary to be in compliance with the state athletic commission so that he can make a quick return to action,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo in a press release on Tuesday.  “In the meantime, we appreciate Clifford Starks’ willingness to take the fight against Mike Kyle on just a few days’ notice, and look forward to having him compete for us again after putting on a great show in the WSOF cage in March.”

Starks, 34, last competed at WSOF 19 in March where he submitted Jake Heun via arm triangle at 4:11 of the second round. His professional record stands at 11-2.

WSOF 22 takes place Agust 1 and is headlined by a welterweight title bout between champion Rousimar Palhares and top contender Jake Shields. The event will air on NBC Sports Network and is set to take place at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

UFC and Bellator veteran Clifford Starks has replaced fellow UFC veteran Thiago Silva for this Saturday’s WSOF 22 in a bout opposite Strikeforce alumnus Mike Kyle, the promotion announced Tuesday. Silva was ruled ineligible to compete by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) this week due to a previous suspension he served in the state following a bout with Brandon Vera at UFC 125 where the Brazilian turned in a falsified urine sample.

Silva will follow up with the NAC at a hearing in August.

“We hope that Thiago will take the steps necessary to be in compliance with the state athletic commission so that he can make a quick return to action,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo in a press release on Tuesday.  “In the meantime, we appreciate Clifford Starks’ willingness to take the fight against Mike Kyle on just a few days’ notice, and look forward to having him compete for us again after putting on a great show in the WSOF cage in March.”

Starks, 34, last competed at WSOF 19 in March where he submitted Jake Heun via arm triangle at 4:11 of the second round. His professional record stands at 11-2.

WSOF 22 takes place Agust 1 and is headlined by a welterweight title bout between champion Rousimar Palhares and top contender Jake Shields. The event will air on NBC Sports Network and is set to take place at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.