Anderson Silva expected to make UFC return following NSAC rendezvous

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva will look to make it two wins in a row when he returns to the Octagon later this year, fresh off a five-round unanimous decision win over Nick Diaz at UFC 183 back in January.

Assuming his "win" doesn't get overturned.

Silva was popped for performance-enhancing drugs, among other things, after a battery of pre- and post-fight drug tests. The Brazilian is temporarily suspended from mixed martial arts (MMA) and will need to present his case to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) before returning to action.

That's going to require a few extra weeks.

While the commission is not known for granting free passes when it comes to testing positive, the worst case scenario leaves Silva fined and suspended. Considering it's his first offense, there is a strong chance he will be eligible to compete before year's end.

Something "The Spider" is counting on, according to UFC Tonight.

Silva -- who continues to maintain his innocence -- has already agreed to a Nick Diaz rematch, though I reckon Diaz may not be as fortunate when it comes to the penalty phase of his disciplinary hearing.

Stay tuned.