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23/07/09 - Exclusive: Wanderlei's manager issues statement on Bisping fight (updated)
Wanderlei Silva’s manager has dismissed reports that the Brazilian is signed to fight Michael Bisping at UFC 105.
He contacted the Fighters Only Las Vegas office today with an official statement on the matter in which he said “the rumors about Wanderlei fighting Michael Bisping at UFC 105 in Manchester or at any point are simply that, rumors."
"For some publication to say they have been given an exclusive statement on this from Team Wand is not truthful," he added. "Certainly, there have been no formal proposals or discussions relative to this match-up.
"Of course, there is speculation that such a fight will occur and certainly there remains a possibility of such a match-up. However, at this time, rumors of the fight occurring at UFC 105, are simply that.
“This fight has not been discussed or offered to us by the UFC. Wand's preference is to fight in February. He wants to take time off to heal his body and mind, and with his new gym in Las Vegas, he has business affairs and a growing team to attend to."
“Wanderlei and his coach, Raphael Alejarra, have both expressed a preference that Wanderlei wait until February for his next match. However if at some point in time, such a fight is proposed by the UFC, it will be given the appropriate consideration, as do all proposals, and a decision will be made at that time.”Fighters Only was the first to report the possibility of a match between Bisping after a source mentioned the potential match prior to Bisping fighting Dan Henderson.
We also understand that the UFC UK office would like to see the match at UFC 105 at it would be a big draw.
However, the fact there is no Bisping-Silva deal in place - despite Silva's management not precluding such a bout - means there is a strong chance Bisping will face a different opponent.
John Joe O’Regan & Gary Alexander
This article was updated 21:50 UK time to include further clarification from Silva's management relating to their position on taking a fight with Bisping in November.
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