It appears the rumors have turned out to be false. Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva (34-8, 1NC) will not be rematching Vitor Belfort at UFC 212. Realizing that a fight with Belfort made no sense, Silva turned down a showdown with “The Phenom” in Brazil.
After his original opponent, Kelvin Gastelum was flagged by USADA for anti-doping violations, the UFC had been scrambling to find a replacement. Silva, 41, remains a huge draw for the promotion despite him being way past his prime.
“The Spider” was last seen in the Octagon scoring a controversial decision victory over Derek Brunson at UFC 208.
No Belfort, Romero or Rockhold
Both Yoel Romero and former champion Luke Rockhold were also in the mix, but Silva turned them all away.
“I’m coming off a win, right, after a long time without wins, so it doesn’t make sense to fight any of them because they are both coming off losses,” said Silva at the UFC 212 press conference in Rio de Janeiro. “It’s not something that will add anything for me. It doesn’t make sense. I’m ready to fight whoever the UFC puts there. It doesn’t matter who that is, be someone who’s coming off wins and adds something to my legacy, otherwise it doesn’t make sense.”
Silva staredown with no one
Silva even provided journalists with a comedic staredown with himself at the press conference. The former pound-for-pound great stood at the podium with his fists up as if he were expecting an opponent to do the same. Instead, no one stood at the podium with him and he even tried to face off with himself.
Despite Silva not having an opponent yet, one name that was thrown out there makes a little bit of sense.
It seems Silva is interested in another fight with the returning Nick Diaz.
Anderson Silva vs Nick Diaz 2
Nick Diaz has finally served his suspension after spending some time away getting busted for smoking weed.
“It’s something that was on the table ,too, it’s possible that it happens this fight with Nick,” said Silva.
Silva and Diaz fought once before at UFC 183. At the time, Silva decisioned Diaz but the result was overturned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after both of them tested positive for doping — Diaz wit the Marijuana and Silva for potential PED’s.
“I respect [Nick Diaz], he’s an excellent fighter,” said Silva. “It would be an interesting fight. It would be cool because this fight makes sense. The (first) fight was a no contest, so we’ll see. Anything can happen.”
UFC 212 is set for the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main event features a colossal featherweight showdown between UFC featherweight titleholder Jose Aldo and top contender Max Holloway.
UFC representatives say they are expected to announce Silva’s opponent very soon, possibly in the next couple of days.
