Anderson Silva will be eligible to fight again in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with his suspension expected to end by Jan. 31, 2016.
Silva is serving out his one-year disciplinary action meted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) after failing multiple drug tests related to his UFC 183 match with Nick Diaz. But this early, it seems that the UFC is primed and ready to unleash "the Spider" and that will take place in February 2016.
According to UFC.com, Silva will be returning to the Octagon on Feb. 27, 2016 where he will face British fighter Michael Bisping at the O2 Arena for UFC Fight Night 83.
Such was confirmed by no less than UFC President Dana White via his Twitter account and will the first time that Silva and Bisping will come face-to-face since both debuted in the UFC back in 2006.
But if there is anyone who will be at an advantage, it may be Bisping. Aside from the fact that Bisping is entering the fight riding the momentum of back-to-back wins, he will also enjoy home court advantage.
With the fight being held at the O2 Arena, Bisping will surely get the proper hometown support. Aside from that, Silva is no spring chicken at 40 years old.
Even though Bisping is not that young either at 36, Silva has not exactly fought and kept in shape. His return against Diaz would have been a good comeback trail but all that was stopped dead with the penalty meted out by the NSAC.
Silva is expected to weather all these factors, something that he has proven before which made him into the UFC icon he is to date. For Bisping, it will be equally challenging for him since he has not exactly fared well against seasoned and world class fighters.
Regardless, the obvious winners here will be the fans to witness UFC Fight Night 83 this February 2016.
