Eric Silva – (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
A possible “Fight of the Night” candidate appears to be set between welterweights Erick Silva (14-3, 1NC) and Jay ‘The Thoroughbred’ Hieron (23-6) for Super-Bowl weekend as part of the UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar event.
Officials with the promotion announced the bout at UFC.com on Wednesday afternoon.
The welterweight hits keep on coming for UFC 156 in February, as Brazilian phenom Erick Silva battles veteran Jay Hieron in a compelling 170-pound showdown that was verbally agreed to today.
UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar is expected to take place on February 2, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Silva is 1-2 in his last three matches, suffering a decision loss against Jon Fitch last month at UFC 153 in a “Fight of the Night” bout. Previous to the loss, the Brazilian earned a “Submission of the Night” win over Charlie Brenneman at UFC on FX 3 bouncing back from a disqualification loss against Carlo Prater at UFC 142.
Hieron made his long awaited return to the Octagon in October losing a decision to Jake Ellenberger at UFC on FX 5, putting his last three fights at a 1-2 record. The victory took place under the Legacy Fighting Championship event, choking out opponent Romario da Silva in July. The other loss was a split decision defeat against Bellator champ Ben Askren in October 2011.