Anderson Silva set for UFC return in London
Anderson Silva, right, from Brazil, threw a punch at Stephan Bonnar, from the United States, during their light heavyweight mixed martial arts bout at UFC 153 in Rio de Janeiro in Oct. 2012. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)
LAS VEGAS » Anderson Silva will return to the UFC on Feb. 27 after finishing his one-year suspension for steroid use.
UFC President Dana White said today the 40-year-old former middleweight champion will face Michael Bisping at the O2 Arena in London. Their bout will be telecast only on Fight Pass, the UFC’s digital subscription service.
Silva (33-6) reigned as the UFC’s 185-pound champion for nearly seven years until he lost twice to Chris Weidman in 2013, breaking his leg in the second bout.
Silva returned last Jan. 31 for a decision victory over Nick Diaz at UFC 183, but was suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission after testing positive for steroid use.
Bisping (27-7) and Silva both joined the UFC in 2006, but have never met in the cage.
