After turning down a potential proposed light heavyweight bout vs Brandon Vera at UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 14 on July 19, attention has turned to Wanderlei Silva's next fight, which could take place in the fall.

According to the June 23 print edition of the Wrestling Observer, Silva’s likely next opponent is undefeated light heavyweight prospect Thiago Silva. The bout could take place in October despite the fact that Wanderlei Silva has reportedly asked not to be scheduled to fight again until December.

The Observer indicated that Wanderlei Silva was given a choice of facing either Thiago Silva or Lyoto Machida. A specific reason for while Thiago Silva is considered the more likely option than Machida was not given, although Dave Meltzer indicated that the UFC is having trouble finding willing opponents for Machida.

Silva returned to the UFC this past December following a nine-year stint in PRIDE. The fighter affectionately known as “The Axe Murderer” lost his re-debut at UFC 79: Nemesis, dropping a unanimous decision to Chuck Liddell. Silva bounced back with a win at UFC 84: Ill Will in May, needing just 36 seconds to knock out Keith Jardine.

Thiago Silva is 4-0 since entering the UFC and holds notable wins over James Irvin, Tomasz Drwal, and Houston Alexander. He most recently fought at UFC 84: Ill Will in May, where he submitted Antonio Mendes in the first round via punches.

Source: fiveouncesofpain.com