Anderson Silva and Anthony Pettis Discuss Potential Fight, Dana White Responds
Two former champions have been campaigning to fight one another. Unfortunately, it may just end up being a tease for fight fans.
Anthony Pettis, the former UFC Lightweight Champion, has also fought in the featherweight and welterweight divisions. Now, he wants a taste of one of the top middleweights in the world in Anderson Silva. Pettis sent two social media posts regarding a potential clash. The first one said it would be an honor while the second one was an attempt at getting UFC President Dana White to give in.
According to MMA Mania, Silva accepted the challenge, saying “Let’s do it!”
Pettis (23-10) won the UFC Lightweight Title from Benson Henderson back at UFC 164. He defended it once before losing it to Rafael dos Anjos. “Showtime” has since gone 5-7 in twelve fights, all in different divisions. He recently competed in a welterweight bout, beating Donald Cerrone via unanimous decision at UFC 249 in May.
Silva (34-10, 1 NC) was considered untouchable at one point. Joining the UFC in 2006, “The Spider” beat Rich Franklin for the UFC Middleweight Title. He defended the title ten times before losing it to Chris Weidman in 2013. Since then, Silva has gone 1-5 with one no-contest in seven bouts. He is currently on a two-fight losing streak, having injured his leg against Jared Cannonier in May 2019.
Silva has two fights left on his current UFC deal and is looking to take advantage of that. White is not as interested in seeing a clash between the two. When asked about the fight after UFC on ESPN 10, White stated:
“I saw that, that they were going back and forth. Him and Pettis? Yeah no,” White said, via BJ Penn. “Guys talk sh*t every day on Twitter and social media. Not right now, no.”
White went on to say to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that it is not a fight that will help either of them or him. Regarding Silva’s contract, White is willing to talk to him when he is healthy.