Anderson Silva Responds to UFC’s $50K Fine; ‘Spider’ Says He Was Unaware of Obligations

UFC President Dana White told USA Today on Monday evening that Silva had been fined for electing to fly home to Brazil instead of making Tuesday’s media appearances in Los Angeles. The UFC middleweight champion Tuesday addressed the situation with Brazilian outlet Veja, stating that he did not know about today’s scheduled appointments until he was on his way to the airport.

“I’ve never missed any commitment to the UFC. I would never have made the trip to Brazil if I knew I had to be in Los Angeles,” said Silva. “Everyone knows that I always block my media schedule to devote myself to training, since that’s my main priority. I’m an athlete, and my focus will always be to train and be prepared for the challenges.”

Silva will square off with Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 162, which takes place July 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena and airs live on pay-per-view. The 38-year-old Brazilian has reigned as UFC middleweight champion for more than six years, defending his title a record 10 times in that span. “The Spider” owns notable wins over Chael Sonnen, Yushin Okami, Nate Marquardt and Rich Franklin. Silva last competed on Oct. 13, when he stopped Stephan Bonnar in a light heavyweight attraction at UFC 153.