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Anderson: GSP fight is going to happen

ESPN staff
September 26, 2012

Anderson Silva insists he wants Georges St-Pierre as his next fight, and he expects the bout to happen because it has the blessing of UFC president Dana White.

Silva and St-Pierre have long been linked to a potential showdown, having dominated the middleweight and welterweight divisions respectively for years.

White recently hinted the bout was as close as it ever has been to being arranged, explaining that it would take place at a catchweight, most likely at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Now Silva has added even more fuel to the story, claiming that the super-fight is set to happen. The only remaining sticking point may prove to be St-Pierre's fight with Carlos Condit, which he must win on November 17.

"I hope this is my next fight," Silva was reported as saying by Brazilian media. "We want to do a super-fight. I drop a little weight and he goes up a little.

"It is going to happen anyway, it is Dana White's wish. I think fighting him makes all the sense as well because he is a great name of the sport. As a UFC athlete I want to fight the best and St-Pierre is one of them. Then we try to put on a good show for the fans."

Silva also ruled out talk of an assault on Jon Jones' 205lb title, insisting his forthcoming fight with Stephan Bonnar at UFC 153 is a one-off at light-heavyweight. Once he completes that Rio appointment, Silva is returning to middleweight - unless he fights St-Pierre.

"I'm doing this fight only to give it to fans here in Brazil," Silva explained. "The fight against Chael Sonnen should have occurred here, but there were issues that prevented it.

"I don't have any intention to continue fighting in this division. My category is 185lbs. Period."

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