The Ultimate Fighting Championship is reportedly close to announcing Forrest Griffin vs. Anderson Silva for the main event of UFC 101 later this year.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Griffin was originally slated to face Thiago Silva at the August 8 PPV, but those plans appear to have changed.

MMAJunkie.com reports that the UFC have helds talks over the past week regarding the potential bout and that verbal agreements may even now be in place ahead of a formal announcement.

Silva was heavily criticised after his recent points win over Thales Leites at UFC 97, with President Dana White calling the fight “embarrassing” and “disappointing.”

The Brazilian has stated in the past that he would like to move up a weight class in the future and his wish has been granted for the non-title fight with Griffin.

Whether Thiago Silva will remain on the UFC 101 card should the bout be confirmed remains to be seen.

Phil Lowe
phil@ifight365.com