Thiago Silva says he’s “Not fighting Ryan Bader” at UFC 116

Last week numerous reports surfaced that a light heavyweight bout between Thiago Silva and Ryan Bader was in the works for the upcoming UFC 116 event on July 3, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the Brazilian out of American Top Team denies those rumors and says that he is not expected to face the undefeated season 8 winner of The Ultimate Fighter at all.

During a conversation over the phone with Tatame.com this past weekend, Silva addresses the situation by saying that the bout which was released in Facebook says that he does not even have a profile page set up with the social networking site as he reiterates that he is not facing Ryan Bader.
“I don’t even have a Facebook account, someone is doing that for me. I’m not fighting Ryan Bader, UFC hasn’t said anything. I talked to my new manager today, Dan Lambert, and he’s trying to get this off the web.”

Going into his last fight with Rashad Evans at UFC 108 this past January, Silva was denying reports that he had a serious back injury going into that bout, but ultimately admitted that he was in fact hurt and has undergone back surgery to repair some herniated disks, but Ryan Bader who has been apart of this rumor will not be facing Silva as he has had to undergo surgery of his own to repair a torn tendon in his right hand which will not allow him to return in time for a fight at UFC 116.

But, Silva does insist that he will be ready for a fight in July for UFC 116, but UFC management has not given him or his management any further word as to whom his opponent will be.
“There’s nothings settled. UFC called my manager wondering if I could fight on July, I’m ready, but they didn’t said who I’m fighting against.”

So, if not Ryan Bader who will be the next opponent for one Thaigo Silva?

Props: urdirt.com