The UFC announced on Monday that the Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva light heavyweight co-main event at UFC 108 on January 2 has been officially moved to the main event slot.

The originally scheduled main event was between heavyweights Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez, but Nogueira was forced to pull out due to a staph infection on his left elbow.

“The bout between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva is a fight we always talked about as a main event, and now these guys have the chance to headline UFC 108 and kick off the new year in impressive fashion,” said UFC President Dana White. “At the same time, we wish Antonio Nogueira a speedy recovery and can’t wait for his return.”

Evans, a former light heavyweight champion, has not fought since losing his title to Lyoto Machida via second-round knockout at UFC 98 in May. It was the first time he tasted defeat in his mixed martial arts career.

“Being able to get right back in the mix and right back into a main event is an honor,” said Evans. “This is the first step in getting my title back. Thiago is a dangerous fighter standing up and on the ground and I always relish an opportunity to fight the best and put on a great show for the fans.”

His opponent Silva, who has yet to taste championship gold, is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Keith Jardine at UFC 102 in August. His upcoming fight with Evans marks the first time he headlines a UFC event.

“I feel that the bigger the fight, the better I do,” said Silva. “Being in the main event for a UFC card has always been a goal of mine. Rashad is a great fighter, but he’d better come prepared in all aspects of mixed martial arts.”

UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva will eminate from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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