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Thiago Silva vs. Rafael 'Feijao' Cavalcante targeted for UFC 162

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
Rafael Cavalcante's first fight in the UFC will be against a fellow Brazilian.

The former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion is expected to meet Thiago Silva at UFC 162 on July 6 in Las Vegas, according to sources close to the fight. The UFC has yet to make the fight official.

Cavalcante (11-3, 1 NC) was suspended for one year following his win over Mike Kyle on May 19 after he tested positive for metabolites of the anabolic steroid stanozolol. As a result, he was also fined $2,500 by the California State Athletic Commission and the win was changed to a no contest. "Feijao" is cleared to re-apply for a fight license once his suspension expires on May 19.

Interestingly enough, Silva (14-3, 2 NC) was also suspended after his last fight. The Brazilian tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his submission win over Stanislav Nedkov in November. While his win was also changed to a no contest, Silva was not fined for the positive test, but he was ordered to take part in a drug rehab program. His suspension expires on April 10.

UFC 162 will be headlined by Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman for the middleweight title. No word just yet where the Cavalcante vs. Silva fight will be placed on the card.

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