UFC News: Anderson Silva returning in April?
Fans tuning into Friday’s Eurasia Fight Nights: Dagestan event airing on UFC Fight Pass were treated to an appearance from a special guest in the form of former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. Silva is currently under a year-long suspension following multiple failed drug tests stemming from his fight against Nick Diaz at UFC 183 in January. Many have thought that Silva may never fight again, but he let it be known that he will, perhaps releasing news of his return without any blessing.
Silva stated that he was offered a return to action in April against Michael Bisping in a fight that would serve as the co-main event under UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez, II in Curitiba, Brazil. He was quick to retract the statement, though, almost like he knew he let the cat out of the bag. Bisping is currently booked for a fight against Robert Whittaker, scheduled to take place at UFC 193 in November. Win or lose, though, and Bisping could be headed for a bout against Silva, a fight many fans have thought about over the years.
This also seems to stamp down an unofficial confirmation on the booking of the rematch between Werdum and Velasquez. Werdum has expressed past interest in wanting the fight in a soccer stadium in Brazil, and recent statements made by UFC President Dana White indicated Werdum was looking at returning to action in March. Werdum made conflicting statements that he would be ready to return just past the start of the new year, but indications from Silva suggest Werdum may get his wish.
This is all speculation, though, as Silva was quick to recant his statement on the broadcast. We will keep you updated in the coming months concerning both the return of Silva, and the official confirmation of when and where Werdum vs. Velasquez will take place.