Perennial light heavyweight contender Keith Jardine (14-5-1) will indeed duke it out against hard-hitting Brazilian import Thiago Silva (13-1) at UFC 102: "Couture vs. Noguiera" from The Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon, on Aug. 29.

The promotion today announced that the 205-pound slugfest will serve as the co-main event of the evening, supporting the featured fight of the night between mixed martial arts legends and former UFC champions, Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira.

Silva was originally scheduled to hook 'em up at UFC 101 in Philadelphia on August 8 -- until the bat phone rang in Joe Silva's office and demanded that Anderson Silva redeem himself for consecutive stand-and-bland performances at UFC 90 and 97.

Accordingly, Silva (Thiago) was temporarily left without a date for the prom, but the UFC made good on its Silva swap by pitting him against the "Dean of Mean," as well as a few extra weeks to prepare for his new foe.

He has made a habit of demolishing his challengers. Before getting stopped at UFC 94: "St. Pierre vs. Penn 2" by uber-enigma and current light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, on Jan. 31, Silva had finished 12 of his 13 fights, including 10 (technical) knockouts.

Scary stuff.

Silva brings the fierce Chute Boxe aggression into his fights (even though he is now no longer with the camp). He has an explosive mix of punches and kicks, which can often leave him open to counter strikes. However, Silva has proven that he can take punishment and dish out more … just ask Tomasz Drwal, Houston Alexander and Antonio Mendes.

His appearance at UFC 102 will no doubt continue Jardine’s (mis?)fortune of drawing dangerous opponents.

Despite dropping a close unanimous decision to former light heavyweight champ Quinton Jackson at UFC 96, Jardine has done his share to be atop the 205-pound ladder, putting together a solid record of (6-4) during his time in the Octagon.

The Greg Jackson-disciple’s resume is highlighted with wins over some of the top names in the sport such as Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell, Brandon Vera and others. He’ll look to add Silva to that impressive hit list on Aug 29.

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