Anderson Silva set for UFC return in London

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Following a one-year suspension after testing positive for anabolic steroids, former middleweight titleholder Anderson Silva is set to return to action as he locks horns with Michael Bisping in the main event of UFC Fight Night 83 on February 28, 2016 (PH Time).

Silva (33-6) reigned as the UFC’s 185-pound champion for almost seven years until he lost twice to Chris Weidman in 2013, breaking his leg in the second bout.

Silva has not fought since UFC 183 in January, after which it was revealed Silva had failed multiple drug tests for steroids.

On the other hand, Bisping (27-7) has won 3 of his last 4 UFC appearances and last competed this past July when he attained a 5-round split decision triumph over Thales Leites. Silva’s January bout with Diaz was his first fight since the injury. Mousasi is expected to remain on the card, though no opponent has been named.

Now with the fight scheduled in Bisping’s hometown and on the subscribers-only channel of Fight Pass, the UFC is not interested in having Silva’s comeback fight being broadcast to a wide audience.

The fight was originally believed to be taking place in Brazil on the same card as the Velasquez-Werdum rematch, which would’ve been in a 42,000 seat arena.

Bisping, who celebrates his 37th birthday one day after the event, fights for the 25th time under the UFC banner.