Confirmed: Demian Maia to fight Anderson Silva at UFC 112

Update: Dana White has confirmed that matchup on UFC.com.

“It’s always tough when a top fighter like Vitor Belfort has to pull out of a big title fight, but we have found a high quality replacement,” said UFC President Dana White. “Top contender Chael Sonnen was not available due to injuries sustained in his fight with Nate Marquardt, so top six middleweight Demian Maia will step in to fight for the title. Maia is an Abu Dhabi grappling champion, a five-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, and he is 12-1 in MMA and coming off a win over Dan Miller at UFC 109. Anderson Silva vs Demian Maia will be a matchup between MMA’s best striker and MMA’s best grappler.”

The rumor mill is going crazy today with the news that Demian Maia may fight Anderson Silva for the middleweight title at UFC 112 in Abi Dhabi. Although there are no confirmed reports, many outlets are throwing Maia’s name out as a potential opponent for the champion. Vitor Belfort was set to fight Silva, but withdrew yesterday due to a shoulder injury.

Maia, a BJJ sensation known for choking out his opponents, recently came off a decision win over New Jersey fighter Dan Miller at UFC 109. He suffered a laceration over his eye that has forced him to be medically suspended and may barely make the cut to fight on the April 10th outdoor event, the first in UFC history to be held outside and in Abu Dhabi.

Silva has not fought since UFC 101 when he beat Forrest Griffin, delivering a brutal knockout that was replayed throughout the web. He recently had surgery on his elbow and will be cleared to fight.