Thiago Silva signs with WSoF, enters four-man tournament

Thiago Silva has signed an exclusive fight contract with the World Series of Fighting, and will enter a four-man tournament to determine the promotion’s first light heavyweight champion.

Thiago Silva vs. Ronny Markes

Matt Hamill vs. TBA

The tournament is expected to take place March 28, on will air on NBCSN.

Silva was released by the UFC last year following a standoff with Florida police at his home. He was arrested for allegedly threatening his ex wife and her boyfriend. His former wife moved back to Brazil, charges were eventually dropped, and Silva was brought back to the UFC in September. However, shortly thereafter his wife released videos of Silva allegedly engaging in anti-social behavior, and he was again released.

In interviews with Ariel Helwani for MMA Fighting, WSOF president Ray Sefo and executive vice president Ali Abdel-Aziz defended the signing.

“[WSOF executive vice president] Ali [Abdel-Aziz] and I talked about it,” said Sefo. “We researched his situation, and the charges were dropped. He wasn’t convicted. In my opinion, you’re innocent until proven guilty. The guy is a great fighter so we want to give him an opportunity.”

“I’ve talked to a lot of guys in his camp,” added Abdel-Aziz. “Everyone talks about his character. I’m lucky enough to know a little more about the situation with his ex-wife, and I feel comfortable with this. If the judge didn’t convict him, why should we convict him? He’s of the top light heavyweights in the world. We can give him an opportunity and a platform to showcase his skills.”

The winner of the March 28 fights will meet to decide the promotion’s inaugural light heavyweight champion later in the Summer.