• UFC Rio

Anderson Silva v Yushin Okami set for UFC Rio

ESPN staff
April 14, 2011
Anderson Silva celebrates victory over Vitor Belfort © Getty Images
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Anderson Silva's next UFC middleweight title defence will come at UFC Rio against Yushin Okami, it was confirmed on Thursday.

Okami has long been the No. 1 contender in the middleweight division since he beat Nate Marquardt at UFC 122, but he was in danger of being overlooked as talk of a Silva v Georges St-Pierre battle proliferated.

However, St-Pierre insists he needs more time to migrate to middleweight, so Silva will get the chance to avenge his last defeat, when he was disqualified for an illegal upkick against Okami in 2006.

Silva was dominant against Okami in that battle, hurting the wrestler on several occasions whilst stuffing multiple takedown attempts. Okami did eventually manage to get his foe to the mat, which is when Silva delivered the illegal blow that ended the contest.

USA Today confirmed Dana White has told them the bout will take place at UFC Rio on August 27, which has long been the story coming out of Brazil.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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