Dan Henderson wanted the fight, as did Alexander Gustafsson and Gegard Mousasi. Then a spider crept into the mix.
Anderson Silva has replaced Jon Jones in a three-round non-title fight at UFC 200 to ensure light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier remains on the historic card. It has been a rollercoaster ride for “DC” after his main event rematch with Jones was scrapped following the interim title holder’s failed drugs test.
From the biggest bout of his life, to no fight at all to now facing one of the greatest fighters of all time, the last few days have been a real test of Cormier’s mental fortitude.
But the 205lbs champ says he is just happy to retain his place on the blockbuster card – albeit now third on the bill.
“I am honored to share the Octagon with the one of the greatest fighters of all time,” Cormier said in a statement to MMA Fighting.
“This is a very tough fight for me, and I have to fight smart and to do my best in order to win this fight. Thank you Anderson for stepping up, and thanks to Dana White and the UFC for making this happen. Now let’s go do this.”
The 41-year-old Silva, who is coming off a loss to the current 185lbs champion Michael Bisping in February, is taking the fight on only two days notice. He’s also going into the bout having just had his gallbladder removed in May.