TUESDAY NEWS DIGEST 12/18: Anderson Silva fires back at GSP, talks Conor McGregor fight, Dominick Cruz out for a year, Jorge Masvidal looks to plan B after Nick Diaz says he’s not signed to fight

By Michael Hiscoe, Managing Editor

Silva has big plans

Anderson Silva has a clear plan for his next two fights. That includes beating Israel Adesanya at UFC 234 and then winning the middleweight championship before retiring.

“I believe in a perfect world…Anderson Silva fights for the belt and takes the belt, then drop the mic,” Silva said at a press conference (transcribed by MMAJunkie). “But I need to focus on this fight first. That’s the second step. Let’s go see, because the future is very short.”

Silva also had something to say about recent comments from Georges St-Pierre that he is no longer interested in a super fight between the two.

“I believe Georges St-Pierre does not take the real challenge,” he said. “He just tries to do something easy for yourself, but this is Georges St-Pierre. He’s so smart. That’s the game, that’s the business. He’s a businessman.”

Silva also talked about a potential fight with Conor McGregor, something he teased on Instagram back in October. While there would seem to be a significant weight difference between the two, Silva has a solution for that.

“I believe 180 (pounds) is good for me and McGregor,” Silva said. “I’m just waiting because I don’t control this. This is a question for Dana, but I believe this an amazing fight for the fans.”

Silva has to deal with Israel Adesanya at UFC 234 in February, but Silva is clearly looking at all of his options to close out his career.

Dominick Cruz says he’s out for another year

After what has been nearly a two-year hiatus for Dominick Cruz, it turns out it’s going to be one more before he can make a return to the cage. Cruz appeared on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show this week to share the unfortunate news. Cruz said that the injury is to two ligaments in his right shoulder that he hurt while sparring. Cruz was booked to fight John Lineker in January but pulled out soon after the fight was announced. He has not fought since losing a championship fight with Cody Garbrandt in Dec. 2016.

Masvidal looking for a new fight

With Nick Diaz saying he’s not signed to fight Jorge Masvidal at UFC 235, Masvidal isn’t waiting around and wants to get a fight soon. In a tweet, Masvidal proposed a fight with Neil Magny, who is coming off a loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio last month.

Diaz and Masvidal were linked to a fight at UFC 235 in March and it had been confirmed by Dana White as recently as last week. Diaz then told ESPN that he is being “lowballed” by UFC but is open to a fight.

In case you missed it

-MMA Talk for Pro-Wrestling Fans talking WWE TLC, UFC on FOX 31, and discussing Ronda Rousey’s future.

-Fights to make after Bellator 212

 

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