Working against Anderson Silva’s claims to a shot at the middleweight championship is the fact that his only victory in the last 4 years was over-turned after a failed drug test.
Still, Anderson Silva is the record-holder for most title defences (10) of that very same middleweight championship. Now at 41 years old, the clock is ticking to see if he ever does get another crack at the championship he held for almost 7 years.
Silva claims the UFC contacted him through representatives in order to ask him to stay ready to fill in short notice at UFC 204, in the event that either Bisping or Henderson pulls out with injury. Silva was not happy that the UFC didn’t contact him directly.
“They didn’t even talk to me – my representatives passed it along. I’m not a message guy. After everything I’ve done, I have to be on standby for a fight I won? I thought it was a little unpleasant.”
Anderson Silva (translated from Portuguese)
Silva is referring to his controversial decision loss to Michael Bisping back in February. Bisping was awarded a controversial unanimous decision win that night, with Silva being vocal afterwards in his belief that he won.
Silva continued on to say that he believes the UFC has been treating Brazilian fighters unfairly.
“I was very disappointed with the lack of respect that the UFC has been treating the Brazilian athletes with. I’m an athlete who took the sport to another level. I don’t get, or have got, people’s due respect. This has made me very upset, sad, and disappointed with the UFC.”
The latter quote may have been referencing criticisms UFC interim featherweight champion Jose Aldo has had with the company as of late.
Could Anderson Silva be the next Brazilian fighter to retire or ask the UFC for a release?
