“The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) are now expected to battle on July 3rd, he’ll face Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-1) at UFC 116 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Fighters Only Magazine reported the news on Wednesday noting that “One of the fighters has signed and returned his bout agreements and the other is expected to be returned this week, making the clash official for UFC 116.”

It had been rumored that both men would meet at UFC 110 but that was changed to a match between Silva and Michael Bisping.

Silva defeated Bisping by unanimous decision in that bout last month. The victory erased a two fight slide for Silva who dropped matches to Rich Franklin and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Since returning to the UFC after the fall of Pride FC, the Brazilian fighter has gone 2-3.

Akiyama, a highly decorated judoka fighter, has won 12 straight bouts with 2 ‘No Contests’. The match against Silva will be his second in the UFC and on US soil since making his debut against Alan Belcher at UFC 100. In that bout, Akiyama earned a split decision victory that earned both men the “Fight of the Night” honors.

Also scheduled for UFC 116 will be the return of heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar who will step into the octagon against the winner of this weekends interim title fight between Frank Mir and Shane Carwin.