C. Weidman (right) refused A. Silva (left) Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/Chris Weidman
Anderson Silva came close to having an opportunity to avenge the most painful defeats of his career at home. The North American Chris Weidman, who beat Spider twice in 2013, revealed that he denied a third fight with the Brazilian at UFC 212, which took place on June 3 of this year, in Rio de Janeiro.
See too
In an interview with the program “The MMA Hour”, the former champion explained the reasons that led him to deny another confrontation against Anderson, including the little time to prepare for the duel, in addition to not feeling comfortable facing his rival in your home.
“The UFC asked me if I would fight with the Anderson Silva. This occurred three and a half weeks before the event in Rio. And I said no. I was still having my body checked and seeing different doctors. I had just gone to Las Vegas for exams. I've already beaten the guy twice, so am I going to get a fight at the last minute and in his hometown? I was like, “No, that’s not going to happen.” If you want me to face Anderson again, postpone it for a few weeks, put it at the Nassau Coliseum or somewhere like that, but I'm not going to do it at the last minute”, commented the American.
Anderson Silva was initially preparing to face Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 212, but the American was suspended for marijuana use and forced to withdraw from the event. The Brazilian then campaigned to face Yoel romero for the interim title, but the UFC didn't like the idea and Spider ended up not being part of the show. In the main fight of UFC 212, José Aldo lost the featherweight title to Max Holloway.
Comments