It seems as if we will continue to wait for the return of Andrei Arlovski.
Undefeated heavyweight contender Brandon Vera is likely to face former division champion Tim Sylvia in his first fight back after settling a management dispute earlier this month that kept him out of action for almost one full year.
That's the latest word from UFC President Dana White on today's conference call to promote UFC 74: "Respect" on August 25. Props to Luke Thomas over at BloodyElbow.com for the scoop.
Vera and Sylvia were on a collision course to meet at UFC 68 in March. However, "The Truth" didn't take the fight because of problems with his then-manager, Mark Dion.
What a difference five months can make.
Now, Sylvia is on the mend from recent back surgery, which he underwent following his loss to Randy Couture. He also caught the staph infection bug from the recent outbreak at the Miletich camp. Vera, on the other hand, hasn't officially competed since his last appearance inside the Octagon at UFC 65 in November 2006.
Seems like question marks surround both fighters, who were seemingly at "the top of the food chain" before the influx of talent that has recently inundated the UFC heavyweight division.
Couture, Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Gabriel Gonzaga, Fabricio Werdum and Heath Herring have emerged as serious threats who have and will continue to make some noise in the once lackluster weight class.
Keep in mind: Nothing is official or signed yet -- that includes a date and event location. However, if this fight does happen it will certainly not be a "warm up" for either fighter.
White mentioned in a press release yesterday that Vera could return as early as October, which would put him on the UFC 77: "Hostile Territory" card in Cincinnati, Ohio. If that doesn't pan out there is always UFC 78 at the Prudential Arena in Newark, N.J.
Stay tuned for more details on the developing story.
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