Thiago Silva Celebrates, Thanks Fans Via Video After Charges Dropped in Alleged Assault Case

Once again a UFC fighter, Thiago Silva on Sunday posted a video message to fans, thanking them for their support, and celebrating his return to the Octagon.

Silva had been facing two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and resisting arrest without violence. The charges stemmed from a February incident that ended with him barricading himself in his home, before police, including a SWAT team, showed up and eventually arrested him.

SEE ALSO: Video of Thiago Silva’s Arrest

The incident involved Silva’s estranged wife and her then-boyfriend, martial arts gym owner Pablo Popovitch. Silva reportedly showed up at Popovitch’s school armed with a gun, making threats for Popovitch to come out or he would go inside the school and open fire. Silva left without harming anyone at the site, and police were called.

The charges against Silva were dropped last Thursday, however, with the Broward County Attorney’s Office telling TMZ Sports, “All charges against Thiago Silva were dropped. The victim was uncooperative, and investigators determined that she has likely moved out of the country.”

The following day, Silva’s team, The Blackzilians, announced that he had re-signed with the UFC, and company president Dana White confirmed it.

“He went through the legal process and came out of it untainted,” White said. “He deserves to be able to make a living again. He’s back under contract.”

Silva last fought at UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Shields in October of 2013, when he won a unanimous decision over Matt Hamill. He had been scheduled to fight for a promotion called Fight Time in August, but the bout was scrapped after Silva suffered a knee injury.

Silva is targeting a return to the Octagon by January of 2015.

Does he deserve to be back in the UFC? Are you happy to see Thiago Silva return? Talk it out in the comments below.