04-13-2017, 12:15 AM
Anderson Silva Wants To Fight Nick Diaz At UFC 212
[SIZE="3"]Former longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva was scheduled to take on rising contender Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 212 on June 3, 2017 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, but it was reported last week that Gastelum had been flagged by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) for a potential anti-doping violation, which subsequently forced him out of the bout with Silva.
The UFC quickly made it clear that âThe Spiderâ would likely remain on the card, and names like Luke Rockhold and Vitor Belfort emerged as potential replacement opponents. Silva, however, doesnât appear to be interested in fighting either man:
âIâm coming off a win (over Derek Brunson), right, after a long time without wins, so it doesnât make sense to fight any of them because they are both coming off losses,â Silva said at a UFC 212 press conference in Rio de Janeiro (Via MMAFighting.com). âItâs not something that will add anything for me. It doesnât make sense.
âIâm ready to fight whoever the UFC puts there. It doesnât matter who that is, be someone whoâs coming off wins and adds something to my legacy, otherwise it doesnât make sense.â
Instead, Silva expressed interest in a rematch with former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz:
âItâs something that was on the table ,too, itâs possible that it happens this fight with Nick,â said Silva.
âI respect him, heâs an excellent fighter,â Silva said. âIt would be an interesting fight. It would be cool because this fight makes sense. The (first) fight was a no contest, so weâll see. Anything can happen.â
The first fight was indeed declared a no-contest. Silva technically won the bout via unanimous decision, but the result was overturned after both men failed drug tests.
Diaz, like Silva, was handed a suspension for his failed drug test, but he was deemed eligible to fight again this past August, although he has yet to return to the Octagon.
Would you like to see Silva and Diaz run it back in Brazil?[/SIZE]
[SIZE="3"]Former longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva was scheduled to take on rising contender Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 212 on June 3, 2017 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, but it was reported last week that Gastelum had been flagged by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) for a potential anti-doping violation, which subsequently forced him out of the bout with Silva.
The UFC quickly made it clear that âThe Spiderâ would likely remain on the card, and names like Luke Rockhold and Vitor Belfort emerged as potential replacement opponents. Silva, however, doesnât appear to be interested in fighting either man:
âIâm coming off a win (over Derek Brunson), right, after a long time without wins, so it doesnât make sense to fight any of them because they are both coming off losses,â Silva said at a UFC 212 press conference in Rio de Janeiro (Via MMAFighting.com). âItâs not something that will add anything for me. It doesnât make sense.
âIâm ready to fight whoever the UFC puts there. It doesnât matter who that is, be someone whoâs coming off wins and adds something to my legacy, otherwise it doesnât make sense.â
Instead, Silva expressed interest in a rematch with former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz:
âItâs something that was on the table ,too, itâs possible that it happens this fight with Nick,â said Silva.
âI respect him, heâs an excellent fighter,â Silva said. âIt would be an interesting fight. It would be cool because this fight makes sense. The (first) fight was a no contest, so weâll see. Anything can happen.â
The first fight was indeed declared a no-contest. Silva technically won the bout via unanimous decision, but the result was overturned after both men failed drug tests.
Diaz, like Silva, was handed a suspension for his failed drug test, but he was deemed eligible to fight again this past August, although he has yet to return to the Octagon.
Would you like to see Silva and Diaz run it back in Brazil?[/SIZE]
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