With the rumor mill constantly swirling around him, Anderson Silva’s Manager, Ed Soares, states that his client may be out longer than expected. The UFC might have their sights set on “The Spider” returning to defend his middleweight strap at UFC 108, but they’ll need a doctor’s notice in order for him to do so.
“It’s not locked down yet,” Soares told 5thRound.com yesterday regarding his star pupil. “We have every intention of fighting on January 2nd, however we are still waiting on the doctor’s approval to start really training. He’s going through a lot of physical therapy and he’ll be ok. We’re just letting the doctors do their thing.”
Silva had successful elbow surgery a couple of weeks ago, however the doctors discovered additional loose debris around the joint and that is what is keeping MMA’s most efficient striker on the shelf longer than anticipated.
As it stands, Silva is expected to make his Octagon return against Vitor Belfort inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although the organization believes Belfort is the division’s top contender, Soares stands by his belief that he hasn’t done enough to warrant a title shot.
“Like we’ve always said, we want to fight the best in the world. It isn’t about money or fame. Vitor Belfort right now, I don’t feel he deserves a title shot. That’s just how I feel,” Soares told us. “He’s had one UFC fight at 195-pounds and wasn’t even able to make weight for the first time.
“[UFC president Dana White] doesn’t agree with our perspective, so that’s ok. We fight for the UFC and whatever the UFC wants for us to do, we’re going to do it. It doesn’t necessarily mean that we think it’s fair. I’d rather it be at 195 pounds, but they want to make it a title fight because those sell more pay-per-views.”
Regardless, Silva will remain sidelined until his Doc gives the go-ahead. There is no definite timetable for his return, although his elbow has been responding nicely to the treatment and rehab thus far.
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