Thiago Silva is once again a light heavyweight on the UFC roster after a Florida judge dropped all criminal charges from an alleged domestic violence incident in February with the fighter’s ex-wife, Thaysa Kamiji.

On Friday, the Blackzilians Instagram, Silva’s fight team, announced that the 21-fight veteran would be back the Octagon by early next year.

“We are proud to announce that Thiago Silva is officially back with the #UFC - We are truly thankful to the UFC and hope to see him fighting again by January. #mma #blackzilians @glennmma @thiagoufcsilva,” the post says.

Although White initially said Silva would “never fight in the UFC again,” he explained his change of heart to UFC.com to confirm the resigning.

“When this thing went down, I said he'd never fight in the UFC again. When I watched it unfold on TV and heard of the charges, it didn't look good for Thiago Silva,” White said.  “But he was acquitted of all charges. How do you not let the guy fight again?”

Silva was arrested by authorities in Lauderdale, Florida on February 6 after allegedly pulling a gun on his ex-wife outside of decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Pablo Popovitch’s school.

Popovitch and Kamiji were involved in a romantic relationship at the time.

However, the charges were dropped after police found Kamiji “uncooperative” and likely fled the country, as MMA Fighting reported.

Therefore, the judge had no choice but to drop the charges stemming from assault to resisting arrest.

Silva is expected to be back inside the Octagon by January and last competed 11 months ago at UFC Fight Night 29 against Matt Hamill – winning a lackluster decision.