It appears as if the UFC is swiftly moving away from a rematch between UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen in light of Sonnen recently failing his drug screening following UFC 117. The UFC released this statement informing fans of its new plans to determine an opponent for Silva.
Winner of Okama Vs. Belfort At UFC 122 in Germany Will Now Earn Title Shot
“We are glad to be coming back to Germany with UFC 122 and to reward our loyal UFC fans in Germany. Both Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami are one win away from a shot at the UFC Middleweight Title and are coming to Germany with a great deal to win and lose. This is a sporting event with tremendous international significance, and we are delighted to have been able to bring this event to Oberhausen.”
Belfort, who was originally slated to get a shot at the champ at UFC 112 before injuries forced him out, would assumedly be pretty upset with this move by the UFC. Belfort and fans alike have been clamouring for the Brazilian to get the next title shot since rejoining the UFC last year, but with only one victory in the Octagon over an aging Rich Franklin back at UFC 103, it’s understandable that the UFC wants another marque win under his belt.
Okami has rebounded well since his loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC 104 last October, scoring wins over Lucio Linhares and Mark Munoz. ‘Thunder’ has proven that he belongs in the mix at the top of the UFC’s Middleweight division, but has yet to take that next step forward. Considering Okami has been in this position once before with Rich Franklin back in 2007 and failed, UFC 122 may very well be his last to capitalize on his opportunity in quite some time. A title fight with Silva would mean a rematch almost five years in the making.
The two first met ‘Rumble On The Rock 8’ in January of 2006, Okami winning the bout via Silva’s disqualification. While Okami was working in Silva’s guard, ‘The Spider’ nailed his opponent with an up kick square in the face. As Okami was no able to continue, Silva lost the fight, his last on record.
Each of these opponents would be interesting stories to promote the fight. We’ll have to see who steps up in Germany.
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