UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva will receive a chance to avenge his last loss when he faces Yushin “Thunder” Okami at UFC: Rio on August 27th. The long-rumoured matchup was confirmed by UFC President Dana White in an interview with USA Today this evening.

Silva and Okami first squared off at Rumble On The Rock 8 on January 20, 2006. Okami was awarded a disqualification victory after he was struck by an illegal upkick. Since that time, Silva has won 14 straight fights and he is seen by many as the top pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts.

Silva (28-4-0) has reigned supreme atop the UFC’s middleweight division since his second fight in the promotion back in October of 2006. He has faced his share of scares, however, and narrowly escaped with his title by trapping Chael Sonnen in a fifth-round triangle armbar last August. Prior to securing the submission, Silva was well on his way to losing a lopsided decision. Most recently, the striking sensation added another highlight-reel knockout to his résumé when he stopped Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort with a devastating front kick to the face at UFC 126 in February.

Okami (26-5-0) has tasted defeat just twice inside the UFC Octagon, in bouts with Sonnen and former champion Rich “Ace” Franklin. The Japanese standout has won six of his last seven fights, including a recent upset of former title challenger Nate “The Great” Marquardt, and has long been next in line for a title shot. Finally, after many months of waiting, Okami will receive an opportunity to prove that he can defeat Silva again. With excellent wrestling and solid ground and pound skills, Okami may be able to replicate Sonnen’s recipe for success against Silva as he looks to capture the title.

UFC: Rio is targeted for August 27th at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)