• UFC 153

Erick Silva to run into Jon Fitch at UFC 153

ESPN staff
July 31, 2012
Erick Silva submitted Charlie Brenneman in his last fight © Getty Images
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Welterweight sensation Erick Silva has been handed his toughest challenge to date after being paired with Jon Fitch at UFC 153.

Silva is believed in certain quarters to be a future champion of the 170lb division. Along with Rory MacDonald, the pair are expected to become the next generation at welterweight.

However, in order for Silva to continue his progress, he must overcome long-time No. 2 Fitch. For several years only champion Georges St-Pierre could beat Fitch, although in recent times the grinding wrestler was knocked out by Johny Hendricks.

Style-wise, it will be an extension of the test faced by Silva against Charlie Brenneman in his last fight. Like Brenneman, Fitch will come to put Silva on his back, but the Brazilian has so far handled all challenges impressively.

UFC 153 is expected to take place on October 15 in Rio de Janeiro, meaning Silva will be fighting in front of his home crowd. The event is headlined by Jose Aldo v Erik Koch.

Meanwhile, Rob Broughton and Matt Mitrione have verbally agreed to reschedule their fight for UFC on FX 5 on October 5 in Minneapolis.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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