Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort Rematch Happening Soon? [News & Rumors]

Anderson Silva will likely make another run at a possible UFC return in 2016 and this early his next opponent is being worked on – Vitor Belfort.

The 40-year-old UFC fighter last saw action on Jan. 31, 2015, winning via unanimous decision over Nick Diaz. However, the victory was overturned when the Nevada State Athletic Commission found Silva positive for banned substances prior to the match held at UFC 183.

Per reports from MMAFighting.com, the suspension was handed out nine months later but was retroactive for the failed drug tests which meant that Silva will be free to make a return to the Octagon by February, 2016.

Hence, the suspension will lapse by January 31, 2016 and apparently UFC President Dana White is already making plans for the ‘Spider’s’ next fight.

He made the revelation during Joe Rogan’s podcast (Joe Rogan Experience) when the host insisted that this was one fight he wanted to see in a separate report via MMA Fighting. Apparently White shared the same sentiment as well as Belfort who may be looking for payback for a previous KO loss at the hands of Silva during UFC 126 back in 2011.

A flashback to what happened at UFC 126 saw win that match in the first round via KO courtesy of a front kick to the face of Belfort. Since then however, both fighters have taken separate paths in the UFC.

Silva went on a tear from there, going on a 10-fight winning streak before falling to Chris Weidman in 2013. Silva and Weidman would meet again in a rematch after suffering a broken leg that kept him out of the scene before returning earlier this year against Nick Diaz.

With the failed drug tests surrounding that win over Diaz, the results were reversed and Diaz ended up being fined the full win bonus plus 30% of the show money which in all amounted to $380,000.

On the other end, Belfort has had an up-and-down ride since dropping that one to Silva.

That included losing two title matches and ironically also against Weidman.

However, Belfort is riding on the momentum of a recent win over Dan Henderson at UFC Fight Night 77 and is looming to be a favorite in case the two do meet again.

While White and Belfort are looking forward to that matchup, it remains to be seen if Silva would be interested in another face-off between the two Brazilians.

With Silva in the twilight of his career, being kept out of the competitive scene makes Belfort a favorite over the 40-year-old fighter.