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NCRadioMan · 08-11-2009, 05:29 PM

NO WHERE BUT UP FOR ANDERSON SILVA?
by Ken Pishna - MMAWeekly.com

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Whats next for Anderson Silva? That is the million dollar or perhaps multi-million dollar question.

After moving up in weight and dismantling No. 3 ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 on Saturday night, it was all but a foregone conclusion that he would drop back down to 185 pounds to defend his middleweight belt.

I think his next fight is at 185 pounds, probably against Dan Henderson, said UFC President Dana White at the post-fight press conference. I think we're gonna do him and Dan again. And then, I don't know. He goes back to 205. He could do anything.

And do anything could be coming a lot sooner than even White had anticipated.

Yahoo! Sports Dan Wetzel reported that following the fight, in the wee hours of morning, Silvas manager, Ed Soares, approached White with an unexpected proposition. That proposition being Anderson Silva forego defending his middleweight title to make a permanent move up to light heavyweight.

Id let him, White later told Wetzel. Wed put (the middleweight title) up for grabs.

No word yet out of Octagon Central, but its an interesting proposition with blockbuster fights written all over it. While Silva is running out of options at middleweight, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Shogun Rua, or the returning Tito Ortiz await at 205. And though Silva discounts ever fighting him, there is also current champion and Silva teammate Lyoto Machida.

With his win over Griffin, Silva took one more step in proving White correct. He's the most talented fighter in the world. He's pound-for-pound the best in the world. He proved tonight, not only that he's that, but he can dominate in two different weight divisions.

It now sounds as if he wants to be done in one of those two weight classes, perhaps enjoying the added power that accompanies the added bulk at 205.

If Silva and the UFC brass do decide to put the middleweight title up for grabs, Silva will likely have to let his words of solidarity fall by the wayside.

Lyoto's my friend, he's my brother, and there is no way that fight will happen, he declared at the press conference.

But if he moves up and both keep winning, an eventual collision would be inevitable.

If Anderson gets to that point where he starts taking out 205-pounders, I'll make that fight, White stated just as emphatically. I promise you, I'll make that fight.

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Dana White still uncertain whether Chuck Liddell's retirement is permanent
by Dann Stupp

Is Chuck Liddell really retired?

It seems the man who first announced the former champion's career conclusion isn't even sure these days.

After a knockout loss to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 97 in April, UFC president Dana White announced in a post-fight press conference that Liddell had entered the octagon for the final time. Now, though, he hasn't completely shut the door on his longtime friend and former manager fighting once more.

"He's a huge superstar, and we could still sell lots of tickets (with Liddell)," White said in April. "But I don't care about that. I care about him. I care about his health, and it's over, man. It's over."

A few weeks later John Hackleman, the trainer of the recent UFC Hall of Fame inductee, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) Liddell could still compete with the best.

"I don't know what's going to happen," Hackleman said. "Just on his abilities, his skill and his power, and what he has left, I think he has more than one fight left in him. Maybe his game isn't what it was 10 years ago. I don't know. But he's definitely at the top of the food chain.

The episode has played out in the media since the spring with White, Hackleman, the media, fans - everyone but Liddell himself - giving definitive thoughts. Liddell recently said he'd take a year off and decide early next year to fight again.

And echoing comments first made in May, White hasn't ruled out the possibility.

"I don't want him to (fight)," White said after this past weekend's UFC 101 event. "He wants to, so we'll see what happens."

08-11-2009, 05:29 PM	#668
NCRadioMan Chutney Lovebusciut Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chutney Location: On the shores of Loch Shiel Posts: 4,281 Trading: (66)	Re: Official MMA Thread NO WHERE BUT UP FOR ANDERSON SILVA? by Ken Pishna - MMAWeekly.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whats next for Anderson Silva? That is the million dollar or perhaps multi-million dollar question. After moving up in weight and dismantling No. 3 ranked light heavyweight Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 on Saturday night, it was all but a foregone conclusion that he would drop back down to 185 pounds to defend his middleweight belt. I think his next fight is at 185 pounds, probably against Dan Henderson, said UFC President Dana White at the post-fight press conference. I think we're gonna do him and Dan again. And then, I don't know. He goes back to 205. He could do anything. And do anything could be coming a lot sooner than even White had anticipated. Yahoo! Sports Dan Wetzel reported that following the fight, in the wee hours of morning, Silvas manager, Ed Soares, approached White with an unexpected proposition. That proposition being Anderson Silva forego defending his middleweight title to make a permanent move up to light heavyweight. Id let him, White later told Wetzel. Wed put (the middleweight title) up for grabs. No word yet out of Octagon Central, but its an interesting proposition with blockbuster fights written all over it. While Silva is running out of options at middleweight, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Shogun Rua, or the returning Tito Ortiz await at 205. And though Silva discounts ever fighting him, there is also current champion and Silva teammate Lyoto Machida. With his win over Griffin, Silva took one more step in proving White correct. He's the most talented fighter in the world. He's pound-for-pound the best in the world. He proved tonight, not only that he's that, but he can dominate in two different weight divisions. It now sounds as if he wants to be done in one of those two weight classes, perhaps enjoying the added power that accompanies the added bulk at 205. If Silva and the UFC brass do decide to put the middleweight title up for grabs, Silva will likely have to let his words of solidarity fall by the wayside. Lyoto's my friend, he's my brother, and there is no way that fight will happen, he declared at the press conference. But if he moves up and both keep winning, an eventual collision would be inevitable. If Anderson gets to that point where he starts taking out 205-pounders, I'll make that fight, White stated just as emphatically. I promise you, I'll make that fight. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dana White still uncertain whether Chuck Liddell's retirement is permanent by Dann Stupp Is Chuck Liddell really retired? It seems the man who first announced the former champion's career conclusion isn't even sure these days. After a knockout loss to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 97 in April, UFC president Dana White announced in a post-fight press conference that Liddell had entered the octagon for the final time. Now, though, he hasn't completely shut the door on his longtime friend and former manager fighting once more. "He's a huge superstar, and we could still sell lots of tickets (with Liddell)," White said in April. "But I don't care about that. I care about him. I care about his health, and it's over, man. It's over." A few weeks later John Hackleman, the trainer of the recent UFC Hall of Fame inductee, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) Liddell could still compete with the best. "I don't know what's going to happen," Hackleman said. "Just on his abilities, his skill and his power, and what he has left, I think he has more than one fight left in him. Maybe his game isn't what it was 10 years ago. I don't know. But he's definitely at the top of the food chain. The episode has played out in the media since the spring with White, Hackleman, the media, fans - everyone but Liddell himself - giving definitive thoughts. Liddell recently said he'd take a year off and decide early next year to fight again. And echoing comments first made in May, White hasn't ruled out the possibility. "I don't want him to (fight)," White said after this past weekend's UFC 101 event. "He wants to, so we'll see what happens." __________________ The path to loyalty is trust.