Undefeated Chute Boxe-trained fighter Thiago Silva (9-0) will make his UFC debut against four-fight Octagon veteran James Irvin (12-3) at UFC 71 on May 26, according to UFC.com.
This bout finalizes the Las Vegas, Nevada, card that will be headlined with the rematch between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
With all the other stuff we had going on for UFC 70: “Nations Collide,” I didn’t have time to pass this news along sooner. Several UFCmania readers, in fact, have also been reminding me to get this post up — apologies for the delay.
Out of the nine fights on the card, five of them feature 205-pound showdowns. And the match up between Silva and Irvin should create some fireworks.
“The Sandman” is coming off of an impressive stoppage of Hector Ramirez via technical knockout (strikes) at UFC 65 back in November 2006. His knockout of Terry Martin at UFC 54 with a flying knee is perhaps his most memorable UFC moment. Irvin has two losses in the Octagon to Stephan Bonnar (kimura) and Mike Kyle (knockout).
Silva is a tough Brazilian fighter who trains with other light heavyweight standouts such as Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He’s perfect it nine professional bouts, finishing more than 77 percent of his opponents via T(KO). Silva has heavy hands and is the reigning Fury Fighting Championship 93 kg GP champion.
Don’t expect this one to last long – someone might be going to sleep early.
For the rest of the developing UFC 71 fight card click here.
21 Comments »
This should make for an interesting fight. I still believe if nobody else “better”, or “higher in ranking” was available than Irvin should of got to fight Jardine. Jardine deserved to see someone higher in ranking so he can soon get his title shot, but when Ramirez was named his opponent I couldn’t help to think that Irvin should be in his spot due to his victory over Ramirez. Just me I guess.
Yeah, Jardine is an animal and Jardine-Irvin could have been pretty interesting. Not sure how truly exciting this card will be outside of the title fight. But then, UFC 70 should have been a barn burner and didn’t really turn out that way…minus the main fight, of course.
Either one of these guys should be in with Jardine, Sorry to say I don’t know anything about the guy he is going to fight, but is he a top 10 maybe top 5 guy in the division and should have a bigger fight.
I agree with everyone above. Jardine needed a bit better fight and this is it.
quick question. is it mandatory to have the last name of Silva in order to be brazilian and to train @ chute?
damn this silva dude doesn’t let anyone get out of the first round, finally we got a fight with some action hopefully, i like irvin as well, i’m definitely interested in this one
another flying knee to the head by irvin
Just a question for everyone who is the dude in the middle of the picture between them?
Its the asian ghost of Christmas.
UFCmania, get this shit up faster!
This fight better be televised!
i like irvin he’s an exciting fighter.
[quote comment="41218"]Just a question for everyone who is the dude in the middle of the picture between them?[/quote]
haha, thats kind of spooky
I dont see Irving winning this one.
Jardine is getting a showcase fight to set him up for a much bigger bout, like how Rashad was given Salmon to lead into his fight with Tito. The UFC knows what they’re doing.
As for Thiago and Irvin, I’m pumped about this fight but don’t see it making the main card. Hopefully it’ll be the swing bout cause this fight and fireworks go hand in hand.
Irvin got so lucky with that knee to terry martins head, he was getting beat up in the 1st round. Anyway the guy fights like once per year it seems.
[quote comment="41753"]Jardine is getting a showcase fight to set him up for a much bigger bout, like how Rashad was given Salmon to lead into his fight with Tito. The UFC knows what they’re doing.
As for Thiago and Irvin, I’m pumped about this fight but don’t see it making the main card. Hopefully it’ll be the swing bout cause this fight and fireworks go hand in hand.[/quote]
A showcase fight? Jardine just kicked Forrest Griffin’s ass. And he lost a close decision to Stephan Bonner. Last time I checked Sean Salmon was not held in as high of regard as either of those two. Am I wrong about that? I don’t think Jardine needs anymore lead in fights.
What has Irvin done other then slip in a knee at a lucky time? Irvin is no match for Jardine, are you guys nuts? I dont think Irvin will do too well against Silva either. Doesnt Silva kinda look like a Brazilian Fedor in this pic.
[quote comment="41318"]This fight better be televised![/quote]
That is exactly why I came back to this thread. DAMN UFC!!!! I guess we will only get to see it if it gets real exciting and the main fights are over quick. I’d rather see this than Jardine/Houston. What is the UFC doing? First Marquardt, then Fitch, and now Silva. Why do they bury these guys?
[quote comment="41205"]quick question. is it mandatory to have the last name of Silva in order to be brazilian and to train @ chute?[/quote]
Yes, and you must learn just enough english to mutilate the language, have knees made of stone, have played soccer since you were born, listen to really crappy disco music, have your BJJ black belt by 4, and think Dana White is a shithead.
I agree with Flaadog. If Jardine and Irvin can get wins in these fights, the UFC will match them up with the opponets they deserve next. I think Thiago Silva is a very good fighter and would really get James rollin if he was to win.