Middleweight champion warned of his contractual obligations ahead of title defence.
UFC president Dana White has warned his middleweight champion Anderson Silva of his obligations to the company ahead of his title defence against Chris Weidman.
Silva (33-4 MMA, 16-0 UFC) was scheduled to speak to various media outlets about the fight which will headline UFC 162, but instead he chose to fly home to his native Brazil.
As a result, the UFC fined Silva $50,000 for not fulfilling his obligation to sell the title fight, where Weidman (9-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC), will look to try and stop the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“We had a full media day set up for him in Los Angeles, and he just decided he didn’t want to do it, so he’s being fined $50,000,” UFC President Dana White said.
“He doesn’t like talking to the media, but it’s part of his contractual obligation.
“Everybody wants more money, more money, more money, but nobody wants to sell the fight or go out and talk to the media. Talking to the media is part of your job, whether you like it or not.”
Making matters worse for Silva is the fact he is headlining the July 4th weekend card for the UFC, which is traditionally one of the biggest of the year.
Matchmakers traditionally try and stack the card to attract feet through the door and millions of buys on pay-per-view, with Silva’s actions putting some of that work in jeopardy.
It is not the first time the temperamental champion has got on the wrong side of White and the UFC.
After his successful title defence against Demian Maia at UFC 112, Silva earned boos from the crowd and criticism from White for his performance, where the champion did not look to finish his outmatched opponent.
Silva has also shown his dislike for speaking to the media in the documentary ‘Like Water’ ahead of his first fight with Chael Sonnen.
In an telephone interview, Silva, through his manager Ed Soares, gave nothing but one word answers to the media again earning the ire of White.
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