By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

Tim Boetsch (11-3) may be best remembered for his school-yard-bully-beat-down of David Heath back at UFC 81 (it‘s riddled countless highlight reels). But he failed to find much success within the UFC after that match, dropping fights to Matt Hamill and Jason Brilz (though he did notch a victory over Michael Patt during his first UFC run). Eventually, (and unfortunately) for Boetsch he quickly found himself fighting outside of the octagon for smaller shows; less money, and ultimately, another chance just to prove his worth in the big leagues. The hard work paid off.

Three consecutive stoppage wins inside just over a year away from the UFC and Tim has found himself back under the bright lights. His welcome back opponent? None other than the highly dangerous (and widely recognized top 10 light heavyweight) Thiago Silva (who holds a 14-2 professional record with key victories over Keith Jardine and Tomasz Drwal), who will be looking to rebound from his unanimous decision loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 108.

A career defining fight awaits both men on August 7th at UFC 117. It’s evident Boetsch isn’t heading anywhere (read the interview for the 411), and Thiago Silva’s relentless style has secured his further employment, likely for quite some time. One way or the other however, one of these man will be forced back down the UFC’s light heavyweight ladder. In a division so deep, it’s mandatory to excel.

Tim took a brief moment away from the daily grind to answer a few questions for MMAnews.com exclusively. In this quick encounter Tim touches down on his new UFC contract, his thoughts on his opponent Thiago Silva and just how great it feels to be welcomed back to the largest organization in the world.