Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort? Nope. "Spider" recovering from elbow surgery. Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin? Sorry, Brock has mono. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez? Almost. Then "Minotauro" was hospitalized with staph infection.
Ladies and gentlemen, your new UFC 108 main event is Rashad Evans (13-1-1) vs. Thiago Silva (14-1) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 2, 2010.
From UFC President Dana White:
"The bout between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva is a fight we always talked about as a main event, and now these guys have the chance to headline UFC 108 and kick off the new year in impressive fashion. At the same time, we wish Antonio Nogueira a speedy recovery and can't wait for his return."
Aside from their similar records, Evans and Silva share another common thread: Both lost their undefeated records after being systematically destroyed by the urine-powered karate of Lyoto Machida.
"Sugar" was the most recent victim of "The Dragon" in a shoop-worthy knockout that saw Evans go limp at UFC 98 back in May.
In fact, the talented wrestler was all set to inch his way back into the title picture at UFC 107 against opposing TUF coach Quinton Jackson; however; "Rampage" got bit by the acting bug and skipped town to drive a black van.
Like Evans, Silva was smashing his way through the ranks of light heavyweight and was one fight away from a title shot until Machida stiffened him at UFC 94 last January.
While the Brazilian holds a jiu-jitsu black belt, he's known for separating people from their consciousness, like he did in his technical knockout victory over Evans' friend and teammate, Keith Jardine, at UFC 102.
A judge's decision in this one is almost unthinkable.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more information on the still-evolving UFC 108 fight card as it becomes available.
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