White: Wanderlei is ‘done’ for UFC 175, NSAC will decide his fate
Dana White said Wanderlei Silva is ‘done’ for UFC 175, after his avoidance of a surprise drug test, but that he is still a UFC fighter and the NSAC will decide his fate.
UFC president Dana White often cited Wanderlei Silva as an example of fighter appeal in mixed martial arts transcending nationality. He was widely called the most loved figure in the sport.
By contrast, Chael Sonnen was so despised in Brazil, that people suggested this would be appropriate team attire:
They were joking, kinda.
Wand and Chael Sonnen appeared as opposing coaches on TUF Brazil 3, but a scuffle between the pair resulted in injuries that pushed off the fight. Further, Wand’s behavior on the show was such that the audience came to favor Sonnen over their fellow Brazilian, much to the dismay of the Gangster from Orgegon.
Then earlier this week Wanderlei avoided a surprise drug test administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The then was not to be found for a few days, and failed to show at a licensing hearing.
Early Friday afternoon MMAJunkie co-founder Steven Marrocco reported that at the UFN 41 media scrum, White reiterated Wand is done for UFC 175.
“Dana confirmed that Wandy is “done” in the UFC,” tweeted Marrrocco.
UFC president Dana White later clarified that Wand is done for UFC 175. As to whether or not Wand would remain in the employ of the UFC, White was uncertain.
I don’t know,” said White. “We’ll see what happens. He’s going to have a hard time getting licensed again.
It did not put him in a good place with the commission, so we knew he wasn’t going to get licensed. So we contacted Chael and Vitor. Of course, Chael said yes immediately to the fight, and now it’s all riding on whether Vitor can get licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
He can shoot all the videos he wants. He’s in trouble.
White said his only contact was via text message, and there was not much that made sense.
Further, the fight between Sonnen and Vitor Belfort will be at 185, rather than the 205 that had been rumored earlier, and only Belfort is guaranteed a title shot with a win.
“I don’t fight at 185 & I don’t fight at 205,” said Sonnen of the switch. “I fight at gangster weight.”
And the last word from the scrum is that If Belfort doesn’t get licensed for the fight with Sonnen at UFC 175, there’s no plan B – the fight will be scrapped.