Anderson Silva didn’t get the title fight he was looking for. Then, he was told by UFC President Dana White that he should pretty much retire. That interim title fight with Yoel Romero? Fuggedaboutit! In short, it hasn’t been a good week or two for the former middleweight champion and all-time great.
Now, Silva says he’s off the UFC 212 card altogether. That’s after original opponent Kelvin Gastelum tested positive for marijuana metabolites, and was later suspended 90 days for the infraction by the Brazilian MMA Sports Court (STJDMMA).
What a mess. Silva announced that he was off the card late Sunday via an Instagram video that his since been removed. Universo Online, however, reports that Silva announced he was dismantling his training camp. The Brazilian legend stated that “I wanted to fight a lot in Brazil, in my country, but it will not happen.”
Silva did not mention the retirement topic, however. There’s a chance that with Gastelum’s suspension being so short, their original bout could simply be postponed. However, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency still has to render their verdict on the Gastelum situation, which could complicate matters.
Silva (34–8 (1)), 42 years old, last fought at UFC 208 in February, where he picked up a unanimous decision win over Derek Brunson.
