UFC cuts Silva, suspends Johnson after abuse claim
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The UFC has suspended light heavyweight Anthony Johnson indefinitely and terminated Thiago Silva’s contract.
Johnson (18-4) is a top 205-pound contender, but the UFC reacted swiftly after a report from BloodyElbow.com, which claims that the mother of Johnson’s children has accused him of abusive acts.
Silva (16-3) was arrested in Florida in February after authorities say he threatened to shoot his estranged wife and her boyfriend. He was released by the promotion after his arrest, but the Brazilian was re-signed earlier this month after the charges against him were dropped.
The UFC cited new “video and audio evidence” in releasing Silva from his contract.
Weidman off UFC 181; Hendricks to fight Lawler
LAS VEGAS (AP) — UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman has injured his right hand in training, forcing the postponement of his Dec. 6 title defense against Vitor Belfort.
The UFC 181 card will now be headlined by welterweight champion Johny Hendricks’ rematch with Robbie Lawler, the mixed martial arts promotion has announced.
UFC 181 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis defends his title against Gilbert Melendez on the same card.
Weidman (12-0) has won two title defenses since taking the belt from Anderson Silva in July 2013. The UFC says his defense against Belfort (24-10) will be in February.
Hendricks (16-2) has been recovering from a torn biceps muscle since defending his title in an entertaining unanimous decision over Lawler (24-10) in March.
