UFC champion Anderson Silva to defend against Chael Sonnen at UFC 148

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(UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva)

Chael Sonnen's next shot at UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will takeplace two weeks later than initially expected. The fight will now headline UFC148, which takes place July 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

UFC president announced the change for the bout initially slated for UFC 147after a "huge soccer stadium" could not be secured for the event. UFC147 will still take place. It features former Pride FC champion Wanderlei Silvaversus former UFC champion Vitor Belfort. UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldois also expected to defend his belt at the event.

Sonnen earned a shot at Silva with three-straight victories over Dan Miller,Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt. He faced the champion at UFC 117 and dominatedthe fight until Silva caught him in a submission hold and forced him to submit.Since then, Sonnen has rebounded with back-to-back victories over Brian Stannand Michael Bisping.

Silva is widely considered one of the best fighters in MMA history. He hasdefeated Sonnen, Belfort, and Marquardt Demian Maia, Forrest Griffin, DanHenderson and Rich Franklin. He has not lost since dropping a disqualificationbout to Okami in 2006.

UFC 148 will also feature a bantamweight title fight. Champion Dominick Cruz willdefend his title against former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.