<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>MMARated.com has learned that the UFC will be airing a live event on Spike TV with a main event featuring a light heavyweight battle between Anderson Silva and James Irvin. The fight will mark Silva's UFC debut at 205 lbs. We've also learned that a proposed rematch between Dan Henderson and Wanderlei Silva was also considered but eventually nixed due to the fact that the event is less than five weeks away. At this time no other matchups have been confirmed, however, recent reports have indicated that Cain Velasquez and Brandon Vera are two of the other fighters that have been approached about competing on the card. Regardless of what happens in the Silva-Irvin bout, Silva (21-4) will not relinquish his middleweight title and will be defending it again sometime in the near future. His most recent title defense came against the aforementioned Henderson at UFC 82 in Columbus, OH. James Irvin (14-4) was last slated to face Rashad Evans at UFC 85 however a broken foot suffered just over two weeks before the June 7th bout forced Irvin to pull out. He was last seen making quick work of Houston Alexander at the "Ultimate Fight Night" event in April. Update: This event will be dubbed "Ultimate Fight Night 14" and will be held in Las Vegas. In addition, a lightweight battle featuring Hermes Franca and Frankie Edgar has also been confirmed. Early reports that it will take place at the Palms Casino Resort are still unconfirmed. As of today, the UFC was planning on officially announcing the card during this Saturday's "Ultimate Finale Live" broadcast on Spike TV.</div> http://mmarated.com/blogs/blog/20080617/ex...n_7_19-231.html
There are so many scary good fights for Silva to have at 205 its a wonder he doesn't abandon the 185 division altogether. Hopefully he doesn't lose his speed.
Also, putting Anderson Silva free on this card pretty much ensures that the UFC will crush Affliction in the ratings vs. buys at about 20:1.
