A light heavyweight slugfest between the returning Tim Boetsch and the Brazilian powerhouse Thiago Silva is reportedly in the works for UFC 117. Sources involved with the event confirmed to MMAjunkie.com today that the verbal agreements are set and the paperwork should be completed shortly.
The bout will mark Boetsch’s return to the Octagon after being released due to a unanimous decision loss to Jason Brilz at UFC 96. Prior to his release, Boetsch scored knockout wins over David Heath and Michael Patt, but was also knocked out by Matt Hamill. Since his release, Boetsch has posted a record of 3-0, consisting of two submissions and one knockout.
Welcoming back Boetsch is knockout artist Thiago Silva, who has struggled lately with the higher level of talent matched against him. After composing a record of 13-0, Silva was demolished by current UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Following the loss, Silva decimated former contender Keith Jardine, but followed the victory with a unanimous decision loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 108. However, with his heavy hands, Silva still is touted as one of the most dangerous 205-pounders and currently stands in the upper echelon of the division.
UFC 117 is set for Oakland, California’s Oracle Arena on August 7 and features a main event between middleweight champion Anderson Silva and top contender Chael Sonnen. A welterweight rematch between top contenders Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves is also slated for the event.