According to a Jan. 2 report from MMA Weekly, MMA legend Vitor Belfort will not receive a title shot against Anderson Silva if he defeats Michael Bisping on Jan. 9 at UFC on FX 7 in Brazil.
“Anderson's at this point where that fight was so one-sided and so fast and so decisive, it's tough to throw Vitor right back in there. Especially when you're dealing with Anderson, Anderson's gonna want to fight new guys and new challenges,” UFC President Dana White confirmed.
White explained his decision to a small scrum of reporters gathered in Las Vegas after UFC 155.
White noted that Silva is closing in on age 40, and he doesn't have enough time left in the sport to engage in rematches with fighters he already beat decisively.
Belfort, 35, was knocked out by Silva with a front kick to the face at UFC 126.
Silva's knockout win over Belfort provided White with an excuse to grant Bisping a title shot with a victory on Jan. 9.
“If Bisping can beat Belfort, that's a tough fight for Mike. He deserves a shot at Anderson,” White confirmed following UFC 155.
Bisping won five of his last six UFC fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Brian Stann at UFC 152. If Bisping loses to Belfort, it's likely that Chris Weidman will get the next shot at Silva.
Comments