UFC 108: Rashad Evans Versus Thiago Silva Upgraded to Main Event

A previously announced matchup between Fighters.com’s fourth-ranked light heavyweight “Sugar” Rashad Evans (13-1-1) and tenth-ranked Thiago Silva (15-1) has been upgraded to marquee status at UFC 108 in Las Vegas January 2, the UFC announced Monday.

The previously scheduled main event between fourth-ranked heavyweight “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1) and Cain Velasquez (6-0) has been postponed due to a staph infection to Nogueira.

“The bout between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva is a fight we always talked about as a main event, and now these guys have the chance to headline UFC 108 and kick off the new year in impressive fashion,” said UFC President Dana White. “At the same time, we wish Antonio Nogueira a speedy recovery and can’t wait for his return.”

Evans has told AOL FanHouse of the matchup versus Silva, “I think I match up really well with Thiago Silva.  He’s a great striker, and I love his focus.  He’s going to be a challenge, and that’s the kind of fight I want.”

Silva responded via Tatame, saying, “We’re two aggressive fighters, it’ll be a good fight, the game matches.  I want to fight with the bests and show my work to be close to a title shot.”