Recently Anthony Pettis turned heads by calling for a bout with former middleweight champ, Anderson Silva, and the legend said he was down. But, if you’ve been hoping to see that fight get signed, well, based off what Dana White’s said, it doesn’t sound like that’s going to happen.
White’s not “crazy” about Silva – Pettis match-up
Pettis made headlines not only by challenging Silva, but because he relayed he’s willing to move up 185 for the fight. The legendary Silva let it be known that he’s down for the fight.
But, while speaking to ESPN recently, White had this to say about the proposed match-up (quotes via MMA Junkie).
“I’m not crazy about it,” White said. “You’ve got a guy that fought at 145 pounds and a guy that’s in the conversation for the GOAT at 185 pounds and walks around at 210, 215.
It’s not a big fight that really means something. I like making fights that mean something, so I’m not crazy about that fight.”
The fact White is citing the size and weight difference here shouldn’t be a surprise. He’s right. Pettis has taken some fights at welterweight lately and he’s undersized for the division.
In Silva, he’d be facing a 6’2 tall fighter who has fought at light-heavyweight several times.
And as far as the fight being “big”, while Silva – Pettis wouldn’t be a blockbuster bout, chances are it would generate more buzz than Silva’s fight with Jared Cannonier did.
So what’s next for Silva?
If the UFC is looking for a bout that means “something” for Silva, what could be next for the legend? While talking about that, White admitted he’s not really sure.
“I don’t know,” White said. “I honestly don’t know what to do with his last two fights. When Anderson’s really ready to fight, we’ll sit down and look at it, and we’ll figure out what we thinks makes sense for him next.
There’s a lot of things that goes into the decision-making process with an Anderson Silva. His age, what he gets paid – all that stuff’s important.”
What about Silva versus Uriah Hall? There’s been some buzz about those two fighting for a long time? And while it might not be a huge fight, in terms of a draw, a fight that moves a ton of views and tickets may not be possible for Silva this juncture.
Not unless, of course, a match-up with a top-tier contender is booked, and that seems less likely these days.
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