RIO DE JANEIRO – Vittle Belfort revealed that two concussions forced him out of a boxing clash with Wonder Ray Silva on September 27 in Sao Paulo, but Silva’s longtime Andreda doesn’t buy any excuses.
Belfort was replaced by former boxing world champion Aselino Freitas in the main event of Super Ten Fight Night 2, and Dida said that after an open workout session in Rio de Janeiro, MMA wants to see evidence of damage.
“When you take a fighter 20 days before the competition, have him take lots of exams and realize he’s sparring, something comes up. There’s an inflammation of the shoulder, a small injury to the hand, something is always there,” Dida said. “It’s difficult for a fighter to fight with his 100%. In my opinion, Vitor had to present a medical report, more tests. For example, he said, “The doctor said this.” It’s too behind the curtains, right?
“I work with high-level UFC fighters, but if something happens, all the tests have to be sent to the promotion,” he continued. “And show it to the fans,” and here’s the injury. “Instagry is making you feel pain.
Brazilian neurosurgeon Dr. Jorge Pagra was quoted in a press release sent on the night of Spaten Fight on September 4th after news broke about Belfort’s withdrawal.
Silva, who questioned the injury of Belfort’s hand when “The Phenom” was kicked out of the UFC 147 rematch in 2012, says his rival needs to tackle his confidence after the cancellation of another fight. They first met under the UFC banner in 1998, with Belfort winning by knockout in just 44 seconds.
“He needs to do what he’s always talking about,” Silva said at a press conference on Sunday. “He’s always strong, perseverance, optimism and it’s. It shows how important the mental part of an athlete is. Athletes need to be confident and believe in themselves. He needs to know what he can do. Do you hire a psychologist?
His coach agrees and believes Dida is only getting worse after this latest fight cancellation.
“I’ve been friends with Wonder Ray for a long time,” Dida said. “I know how much he wants to run, and this isn’t Vitor’s fight against others before.
His replacement opponent, “Popo” Freitas, is a 41-2 professional boxer and one of the greatest Brazilians in the sport’s history. Dida said his plan is to give Silva a quick rematch on Saturday to defeat Freitas, and face Belfort in the future. However, Dida jokes that after seeing Silva go 2-0 against such an experienced boxer, Belfort might not fight again.
“That wouldn’t be good for him, but I believe Vittle wouldn’t disappoint his fans. We’re following Vittle, he knows that,” Dida said. “It’s a super fair fight. Two MMA fighters of the same age, they have history and rivalry. That’s the best possible scenario. Wonder Ray will fight him on the streets.