Boxing/Wrestling

UFC discharges previous middleweight champion Anderson Silva

One of the best fighters in mixed-martial-arts history is no longer under agreement with the UFC.

The UFC has released previous middleweight champion Anderson Silva, the advancement and Silva’s group affirmed Thursday.

Silva’s misfortune to Uriah Hall a month ago at Fight Night was charged as his UFC final appearance, however Silva has not yet dedicated to retirement. The unbelievable “Bug” is presently allowed to seek whatever other advancement, regardless of whether it be in MMA or another battle sport.

Hall beat Silva by TKO in the fourth round on Oct. 31 in Las Vegas. A short time later, UFC president Dana White said he didn’t think the 45-year-old Silva ought to actually contend once more.

White repeated those remarks to TMZ on Thursday.

“First, I go back home and go see with my team and everything,” Silva said after his loss to Hall. “Let’s see, because it’s tough to say it’s my last [fight] or not. This is my air. This is what I do for my entire life and with my heart. Let’s go see.”

After the battle, White said “I made a big mistake” in consenting to the battle in the first place.

Silva (34-11, 1 NC) has only one win since 2012, and from that point forward has had two positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs, however he was cleared of the latest in 2017. Preceding the most recent couple of years, the Brazilian knockout artist had a splendid list of qualifications has still simply lost to top-level fighters in the division.

Silva held the UFC middleweight title from 2006 to 2013. He set UFC records for the longest title rule (2,457 days), longest series of wins (16), title battle completes (9) and knockdowns (18). He positions second in the promotion in title defenses (10).

Bellator MMA president Scott Coker was inquired as to whether he had any interest in signing Silva.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Anderson Silva, one of my favorite fighters and one of the greatest of all time, but I’m happy with our roster and the direction Bellator is heading,” Coker told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.