Steven Marrocco of MMAjunkie.com reported Thursday the UFC released Wanderlei Silva from his contract with the company.
The news coincides with Silva recanting his previous claim this past summer that the UFC fixed fights.
Silva provided a full statement on his Facebook page:
In July of last year, I posted a number of comments on Facebook and Twitter, which included repeated claims that the UFC “fixed fights” and that I could “prove it.” I hereby retract any such statements in their entirety as I failed to understand that the term “fight-fixing” specifically refers to the illegal action or practice of dishonestly determining the outcome of a contest before it occurs. I understand the UFC’s reputation would be harmed if my fans and others actually believed the UFC engaged in fight fixing, and I have no evidence to support such a claim. I apologize for any misunderstanding my comments may have caused.
The 39-year-old found himself in hot water after going on social media and ranting about UFC.
“They have no respect for anyone,” he wrote, per Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com. “I made it clear for all of you that I won’t ever fight for this event again, UFCircus! Fixed fights, and I can prove it. I haven’t dropped the bomb yet, I haven’t said what I know.“
The controversial firing of cutman Jacob Duran sent Silva over the edge and precipitated his disparaging comments.
Shortly thereafter, UFC’s parent company, Zuffa, filed suit against Silva, claiming he defamed the organization.
“Over the past year, Silva has continued to criticize Zuffa, its owners and executive officers, and the (Nevada State Athletic Commission),” claimed Colby Williams, a lawyer representing Zuffa, per Marrocco. “While Zuffa has monitored Silva’s remarks, the company has largely dismissed Silva’s attacks as the misguided rants of a disgruntled ex-fighter. Silva’s latest outburst, however, indisputably crossed the line and necessitates swift legal redress.”
Thursday brings arguably the optimal solution for both parties.
Silva is free to pursue fights outside of UFC, and Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter already has one opponent lined up:
UFC, meanwhile, got Silva to walk back on his claims and thus will be able to move on from the whole situation.
Whether they’re valid or not, allegations of fight-fixing are always damaging for an organizing body. The quicker the UFC could put the issue to bed, the better.
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