Anderson Silva's Return To The UFC Confirmed, Fight To Air On Streaming Service
Just under two years since his gruesome leg break, under one year since defeating Nick Diaz and later testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, the most dominant middleweight is set to return to the UFC. The company has announced Anderson Silva will face Michael Bisping in London in February 2016.
The fight looks to be perhaps the biggest UFC has ever broadcast on their streaming service, UFC Fight Pass. The move was considered to be a big surprise as a UFC PPV in Brazil in April doesn't have a headline fight set as of yet, and if aired on television, would likely do good ratings.
Silva will be competing in only his second fight in 25 months following year-long layoffs due to the aforementioned leg injury and drug test failures. Silva will turn 41 just a couple of months following the fight with Bisping, but has several fights remaining on his UFC deal.
See Also: Anderson Silva Failed Second Drug Test?, Joe Rogan On Silva's Failure
Bisping has been calling for the fight for years, dating back to when he was a top contender and Silva was the Middleweight champion. Bisping was unable to string together three victories in order to garner the 185-pound title shot, but with both men out of contention and the fight still a big attraction, it was put together. Bisping was originally slated to face Gegard Mousasi.
The event, UFC Fight Night 83 will take place on February 27 from the 02 Arena in London. Outside of Jimi Manuwa, Michael Bisping is the only ranked fighter currently scheduled for the card.