NSAC Chooses Yves Lavigne to Ref Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen 2

One of the biggest grudge matches in MMA history will fall directly on the shoulders of veteran referee Yves Lavigne.

MMAJunkie was the first to break the news of the Nevada State Athletic Commission's decision to go with Lavigne to call the rematch between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen at UFC 148.

"I was kind of shocked because I didn't expect that one," Lavigne told Mauro Ranallo on Friday during an appearance on The MMA Show. "To be honest, it's a privilege when a commissioner asks you to go into his jurisdiction to go ref. Normally, I'm just happy to be a part of the show because it's a privilege to be there."

Lavigne certainly isn't new to working major UFC title bouts, particularly grudge matches. He has called a pair of high-profile grudge title matches including Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 113 and Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra at UFC 83.

While Lavigne lacks the notoriety of a Herb Dean or "Big" John McCarthy, he has enough experience to ensure confidence in the NSAC that he is capable of calling such a high-profile bout.

UFC 148 is scheduled to take place on July 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. There will be a lot of emotion heading into the main event considering some of things that have been said between Silva and Sonnen.

On a side note, UFC president Dana White won't have to worry about Steve Mazzagatti ruining his night, unless Lavigne is also hit with the injury bug.