Anderson Silva will take on Daniel Cormier at UFC 200 on Saturday, replacing Jon Jones, who was removed from the card for a possible anti-doping violation. White also stated that the Cormier-Silva bout managed to make up for the loss of Jones in the fight card.
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Silva, 41, has fought at 205lb on three previous occasions, recording victories over James Irvin, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar.
“I think I’m in good shape and I don’t want Daniel to think I’m underestimating him or coming in here to try to challenge the champion”, Silva said after the announcement he would fight at UFC 200.
Here’s the full presser for the Anderson Silva at UFC 200 announcement. “Any times he’s moved up to 205 he’s looked even better than he did at 185, which is insane”.
It would seem all MMA fans who wanted to see a fight featuring two of the sport’s stars on arguably the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view, should thank Anderson Silva as well.
Silva, the longest reigning champion in UFC history, last fought in February when he was defeated by Michael Bisping. I haven’t and I’m not going to. Although Silva claims to be in solid shape, he wasn’t ready to accept a five-round fight, the required length to fight for a championship belt.
New women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes made just $100,000 while her foe Miesha Tate pulled down $500,000.
Silva said he had contacted the UFC within hours of the announcement that Jones had failed the test.
Jones could be looking at a two-year suspension by USADA, as well as any disciplinary proceedings from the Nevada State Athletic Commission. He built up a fierce rivalry with the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighter. A heavyweight fight between Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt will serve as co-headliner.
According to White, Silva said that whether or not the match is for the title, if he beats Cormier then “people are going to know I’m the guy anyway”.
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“Earlier today, I said something that was offensive & I’m truly sorry”, Cerrone said in the post, which was later deleted.
