Ricardo Arona rules out UFC 147 clash with Wanderlei Silva
Just in case you were thinking the UFC could pull an ace out of their sleeve and sign former PRIDE superstar, Ricardo Arona to take on Wanderlei Silva at UFC 147 on June 23rd in Brazil then think again after the Rio de Janeiro native ruled out stepping up at such short notice.
Speaking via Tatame Magazine, Arona said:
“It would be a good fight, but not now. I’m not prepared to fight. I’m fine, moving forwards, but I’m not ready. It’s not the time yet. The most important thing to me is to be 100 percent. It’s bad doing things in case you are not. I’ve overcame it before and now I’ll wait a little longer so I’m 100 percent. I can’t do it in such short time.”
“I keep being invited to fight in Brazil but there are no international propositions now. I can’t say yes to anything right now, therefore I have no news. I’m focused on finishing the work and then start training. I’m finishing my project, which is the most important thing to me now. I’m crazy to get it done.”
Arona was a force to be reckoned with in the PRIDE days, taking on the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Will he be able to recreate those glory days inside the octagon if he’s given a chance despite a sad run of injuries? Tell us what you think…
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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