Anderson Silva Says UFC Decided Not To Book Conor McGregor Fight

Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor were on a collision course, but then the UFC got in the way.

Former UFC middleweight champion Silva says the promotion opted against booking a fight with the "Notorious" champ-champ, despite both men expressing interest.

?UFC owes me a super fight by contract. Conor (McGregor) called me out right after my fight with (Israel) Adesanya. Our team talked to his team and we agreed upon a bout at (170lbs), but something happened and UFC decided to not make it. Then Anthony Pettis proposed that super fight, and I liked it because he was already a champion who has impressive knockouts. Of course, it would be a great super fight,? Silva said to Combate (via Marcelo Alonso of Sherdog).

If the bout had come together, it would have marked Silva?s first bout since suffering a leg injury against Jared Cannonier at UFC 237. Another fighter Silva would like to face is former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Potentially, the fight could be contested at middleweight.

?At this point of my career and for all my legacy it doesn?t make any sense to face new talents that are entering the game non. I don?t want to be a ?step? for the new generation. I want to face relevant champions for the sport. And definitely Pettis is a great challenge that will make me train a lot,? Silva said.

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