UFC Planning to Counter Affliction Show July 19

By: Ariel Shnerer | Posted: Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 11:49 am.

Reports have surfaced indicating UFC president Dana White plans to counter Affliction’s inaugural pay-per-view broadcast with a live show on Spike TV on Saturday, July 19. Sherdog.com reported the possible UFC event on Monday.

The main event could pit Brazilian slugger Wanderlei Silva against Brandon Vera in a light heavyweight matchup. Vera (8-2) has fallen victim to Fabricio Werdum and Tim Sylvia in his last two fights and has been encouraged by many to drop down to the 205-pound division.

Silva — who lost three straight to Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Dan Henderson and Chuck Liddell – defeated Keith Jardine in impressive fashion at UFC 84: Ill Will in May. This fight would mark Vera’s first as a light heavyweight, and it could prove to be one of his toughest tests thus far inside the Octagon.

Another win could put Silva in line for a title shot against a man — Quinton “Rampage” Jackson — he has beaten twice. Vera, meanwhile, needs to regain the momentum he once carried in the promotion. A win against Silva would instantly put him in contention in the 205-pound division.

Afflction: Banned will feature a heavyweight showdown between Sylvia and former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The proposed UFC Fight Night card would likely take place in Las Vegas.

CATEGORIES:MMA