UFC Middleweight Champion Rich “Ace” Franklin will make his return to the Octagon against Anderson “The Spider” Silva at UFC 64: “Unstoppable” on October 14 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

So much for a tune-up fight.

Franklin has been on the mend for the last seven months, nursing injuries that he sustained in his impressive victory over David “The Crow” Loiseau at UFC 58. There was speculation that he might ease his way back into action before going up against a fellow devastating striker like Silva.

Apparently not.

A native of Brazil, Silva is coming off of a quick and jaw dropping dismantling of tough guy Chris Leben. Although new to the UFC, Silva boast tremendous skills and experience, which makes him Franklin’s toughest opponent to date to challenge for his middleweight belt.

According to UFC.com, Kenny “KenFlo” Florian and Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk will also be featured and fight for the right to be crowned lightweight champion — a title that has remained vacant since the early days of Jens Pulver.

It’s interesting that Pulver didn’t get his crack at it first. But, we’re sure he’s next in line provided he takes care of business inside the Octagon along the way, setting up a “mini” super fight.

That’s marketing 101.