It may not surprise you to learn the location of Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort 2, as they have a very sketchy drug testing history there….
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When Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort first met in the octagon, the former was an unstoppable, arrogant-bordering-on-cocky champion and the latter was a battle-tested veteran who would supposedly serve as his toughest test to date.
A rematch between two Brazilian legends has been reportedly booked for UFC 197.
Although “The Spider” won a decision over Nick Diaz at UFC 183, the result was soon overturned when Silva faced the NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) with his blatantly concocted excuse for failing the drug test for anabolic steroids.
Silva destroyed Belfort in their first bout at UFC 126 in 2011 with a devastating front kick to the jaw that dropped Belfort immediately.
The Briton’s comments had come after Silva claimed that he would be fighting Bisping in 2016, and while the 40-year-old was initially against the idea, he has now said he would make an exception to his rule and fight Silva.
Most recently, Belfort bounced back from a quick loss to champion Chris Weidman at UFC 187 with an even quicker starching of Dan Henderson at Fight Night 77 earlier in the month.
“I believe he can do anything he’s done before losing the title or getting injured”. When you consider Silva has fought just once since 2013 and won’t be eligible to return until next spring, you can see why Souza would raise concerns regarding cage rust etc. But to say this publicly is somewhat surprising.
For the record, the word out of Brazil is that a fight between Silva and Belfort is in the works, with the main event of UFC 197 in Rio in March of next year now targeted for the rematch.
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“Anderson is impressive, but, in my opinion, as a friend and seeing him as guy that is helping me now, I think he should fight again before fighting Belfort to get his rhythm back”, Souza said at a UFC 194 media day in Rio.
