Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin at UFN 14 – Vera likely to appear

In what is sure to be a surprise to many, the UFC has schedule Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin in the main event of Ultimate Fight Night 14, which will air live on Spike TV July 19th. This is interesting for a couple of reasons. This card will compete directly with Afflictions first foray into MMA with the Affliction:Banned card to be headlined by Tim Sylvia and Fedor Emelianenko. Affliction was planning on drawing huge numbers, with a star studded line up including Josh Barnett, Andrei Arlovski, Babalu Sobral and Matt Lindland. The UFC will attempt to draw some fans their way on this night.

Also interesting is that the Silva v. Irvin fight will be fought at 205 lbs, which will be Silva’s first fight in the UFC at 205. Silva is the UFC’s middleweight champion and the UFC is likely trying to move him up a class, as there seems to be little competition at his natural weight.

Early reports have indicated this card will also have Hermes Franca will battle Frankie Edgar, James O’Brien will fight Cane Valasquez and Brandon Vera is set to face Reese Andy. Reese will be making his UFC debut, after fighting in the IFL, and Vera his debut at lightheavyweight.

One cannot deny the star studded line up Affliction has put together, but the UFC is attempting to put a dent in their armour.