Thiago Silva versus Brandon Vera pitted for UFC 125

Brand Vera just won’t get any breaks.

After a two-fight losing skid to standouts Jon Jones and former champion and UFC Hall of Famer, Randy Couture, Vera is expected to tangle with Brazilian slugger, Thiago Silva.

Brandon, a former contender to the UFC heavyweight title, has been on shaky legs with the promotion ever since his return to the cage.

Following a year long layoff due to litigation with his former manager, Vera, a then heavyweight, dropped an uninspired decision to former champion Tim Sylvia at UFC 77, in late 2007. Since then, Vera has been hot and cold, even with a drop to the 205-pound division which better suits his frame.

Though some argue that “The Truth” won a disputed split-decision against the aforementioned Couture, he was blasted by spitfire Jon Jones inside of the first round, by way of TKO.

Silva is looking to get back in the win column as well. The former top contender initially lost his bid at a title shot when he faced Lyoto Machida at UFC 94. The two Brazilians battled it out, but in the end Machida was able to walk away the victor with just a few seconds left in the first round, and knocked out Silva with ground and pound. Thiago bounced back at UFC 102 with a commanding knockout victory of his own when he defeated former top contender Keith Jardine.

Thiago failed at another big win when he met with former champion Rashad Evans at UFC 108. The 27-year-old was controlled for the better part of rounds 1 and 2 with effective take downs initiated by Evans, the former collegiate wrestler, however rallied back in round three and dropped Evans but in the end lost a unanimous decision.

Vera is likely fighting for his job with the promotion while Silva is looking to bounce back to top contenders status with a commanding win over Vera. With that in mind, both competitors will be sure to lay it out all on the line with this potentially exciting 205-pound match up.

UFC 125, where the bout is said to take life, is tentatively scheduled for January 1st at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

So, MMA peeps, who do you think takes this bout? Both have something to prove and will sure to be a crowd pleaser for those in attendance. Let your opinions known below.