Rivalry between Anderson (left) and Vitor (right) caught fire at the beginning of the decade. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Pointed out as one of the main factors driving the popularity of MMA in recent years, the duel between Anderson Silva e Vitor belfort in 2011 it is still memorable for fans today – especially for its outcome, with Anderson's knockout after a front kick to Vitor's face. What few people know, however, is that the two rivals were close to taking part in this same fight months before, but outside the Octagon. The almost fight between Spider and Belfort was reported by Brazilian Renzo Gracie, who assured that he had prevented confusion from taking place backstage at UFC 112, in Abu Dhabi.
READ:
- UFC had a 40% drop in profits in 2014
- Anderson Silva reveals that he wrote a police series for TV
"Vitor belfort e Anderson Silva they were in the lobby of a hotel in Abu Dhabi. They were arguing a lot, almost fighting. There was no one else there. I arrived and when I saw that scene I said: 'guys, I just want to make one thing clear: If you start fighting, I will not separate you. I'm going to sit and watch, because I would love to see that fight.' Then they stopped arguing, each one turned to their side and left (laughs)”, reported Renzo, in an interview with “Submission Radio”.
SEE TOO:
- Jon Jones rules out superfight against Anderson Silva
- Ronda attacks Cris Cyborg: 'I'm going to kill her'
- Event offers R$25 to Brazilian finishers
According to Renzo Gracie's account, the problem between Anderson Silva e Vitor belfort happened backstage at UFC 112, in April 2010. Interestingly, Vitor would be Anderson's original opponent at the event, but ended up getting injured and giving way to his compatriot Demian Maia. The Spider beat Demian by unanimous decision, but abused provocations to his rival during the fight and was harshly criticized by fans, journalists and even president Dana White, who refused to give him the belt and several times after that stated that the The former champion's behavior was one of the worst moments in the organization's history.
[vox id=”26996″]
Anderson Silva, 39 years old, has a professional record of 33 wins and six losses. On January 31, 2015, a Brazilian returns to the octagon after a year and a month away due to a fracture in his left leg suffered in the rematch against Chris Weidman. Spider's opponent in the main fight of UFC 183, in Las Vegas (USA), will be the controversial Nick Diaz. Already Vitor belfort, 37 years old, has a record of 24 wins and ten losses. The Phenomenon faces the champion Chris Weidman for the middleweight belt on February 28th, in the main fight of UFC 184, in Los Angeles (USA).
Comments