Anderson Silva set for UFC return in London

Anderson Silva. AP FILE PHOTO

LAS VEGAS, Nevadas—Anderson Silva will return to the UFC on Feb. 27 after finishing his one-year suspension for steroid use.

UFC President Dana White said Thursday the 40-year-old former middleweight champion will face Michael Bisping at the O2 Arena in London. Their bout will be telecast only on Fight Pass, the UFC’s digital subscription service.

Silva (33-6) reigned as the UFC’s 185-pound champion for nearly seven years until he lost twice to Chris Weidman in 2013, breaking his leg in the second bout.

Silva returned last Jan. 31 for a decision victory over Nick Diaz at UFC 183, but was suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission after testing positive for steroid use.

Bisping (27-7) and Silva both joined the UFC in 2006, but have never met in the cage.