Silva, Boetsch Agree to UFC 117 Battle

Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

American Top Team standout Thiago Silva and Tim Boetsch have verbally agreed to meet at UFC 117 on Aug. 7 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., Sherdog.com has learned from multiple sources.

Silva has not competed since he lost a unanimous decision to former light heavyweight king Rashad Evans at UFC 108 in January. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt known more for his menacing stand-up skills, the 27-year-old has delivered 11 of his 14 career victories by knockout or technical knockout. His list of victims includes Keith Jardine, Tomasz Drwal and Houston Alexander. Silva has never lost back-to-back fights.

Pruned from the UFC ranks following his decision defeat to Jason Brilz at UFC 96 in March 2009, Boetsch will carry a three-fight winning streak into the match. He last appeared in April, when he knocked out Reese Shaner in 65 seconds under the North American Fighting Championship banner. The 29-year-old Boetsch owns seven first-round finishes among his 11 victories.

A middleweight title bout pairing embattled champion Anderson Silva with outspoken contender Chael Sonnen will headline UFC 117.