Dana White Says Anderson Silva Won't Be Part of UFC's Debut on Fox

by Scott Christ on Aug 25, 2011 7:13 PM EDT in Boxing Video

In an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting, UFC's Dana White says that contrary to the rumors, Anderson Silva will not be main eventing the UFC on Fox debut on November 12. That show, as you know, will oppose the first hour of the Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view.

Silva is one of UFC's biggest stars, and there was a rumor going around yesterday that he would be facing the returning Dan Henderson on the Fox network debut, which would have been a big fight to kick off the UFC/Fox partnership. But White says that Silva won't be on the Fox card no matter how he does this Saturday at UFC 134 against Yushin Okami.

White does hint that someone fighting in Rio at UFC 134 could be part of the Fox debut, though, saying he's waiting to see how this weekend's show plays out before making any firm plans for the November 12 show.

Note: I'm going to talk pretty frequently about the UFC on Fox debut. I know some of you aren't interested at all, but I personally feel that UFC getting to network TV is big news for all combat sports, and with the show opposing even a portion of the Pacquiao vs Marquez event, I'm very interested to see what fights they're going to put up that night. It's just going to be a two-fight, one-hour program, but I think we might learn more about any intent they have to score some of the boxing audience from what kind of fights they put on.

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Hey Scott

Have you guys considered bringing on/asking Brent Brookhouse from Bloody Elbow as semi-regular contributer for these kind of things? He seems to have a really firm grasp on both the MMA and boxing angles on these issues and I think he would do a great job shedding light on this for the more boxing oriented fans.

‎"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world."

- Jack Layton

by Worldisart on Aug 25, 2011 7:33 PM EDT reply actions

I’ve never considered asking Brent for his help on anything. He’s an idiot. He was the best man in my wedding.

One of those three statements is true.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on Aug 25, 2011 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Touche

Was unaware of your personal relationship.

Just a thought, some of Brent’s boxing related material over at BE is what’s helped rekindle my interest in the sport. Thought maybe he might be able to make that magic work the other way too!

‎"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world."

- Jack Layton

by Worldisart on Aug 25, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

He has author privileges on the site and pretty much a standing offer to do whatever he would like to here, but he’s pretty busy with BE. But Brent and I do talk about both sports…pretty much non-stop.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on Aug 25, 2011 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

hahaha

What everyone needs to do is calm down, take a deep breath, and prepare their bodies for the Thunderdome.

by lowellthehammer on Aug 25, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

So he’s an idiot?

by cyke on Aug 25, 2011 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions

boom roasted

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on Aug 25, 2011 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

How would they score some of the boxing audience with the fights they put on?

Are you saying appealing to a certain demographic?

by rantcatrat on Aug 25, 2011 8:11 PM EDT reply actions

More the level of fights they put on. If they can promote a big fight (instead of a couple of mid-level fights) with names that people know just in passing, they could convince some who might be on the fence to tune in and forget about the first hour of the PPV, even those ordering the PPV.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on Aug 25, 2011 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions