UFC president Dana White has just announced a huge fight in the light heavyweight division: Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Thiago Silva.
While the fight is not yet official, White let the news slip when a fan tweeted him and asked who Shogun’s next opponent will be.
White responded simply, “Thiago Silva”.
Fans will no doubt be excited for this bout. Both men are muay thai experts that are known for aggression and brutal power. The fight promises to be a barn-burner.
Both competitors are coming off losses and will be looking to win this bout decisively in order to take a step back towards title contention.
Shogun lost his most recent fight against Dan Henderson at UFC 139, in what was an epic battle and a match considered by some to be the most entertaining fight in UFC history. Silva’s most recent defeat came at the hands of up-and-comer Alexander Gustafsson at UFC on Fuel TV 2.
Silva, in particular, is in desperate need of a victory. He had himself in hot water with the UFC after falsifying a urine sample last year, and he has not won a fight since 2009.
The UFC has not yet announced the date this fight will take place on, nor have they announced whether it will serve as a main event.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report as more on this story develops.
Andrew Barr is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and stand-up comedian. Check him out on Twitter @AndrewBarr8.
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