SILVA A NO GO FOR SUNDAY’S PRIDE 34

By Loretta Hunt

Former PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva could not be medically cleared in time and will not participate on Sunday’s PRIDE 34 “Kamikaze” roster.

The Chute Boxe pillar is currently under a six-week medical suspension issued by the Nevada State Athletic Commission from a second round knockout sustained by new PRIDE Middleweight Champion Dan Henderson, and was technically not be eligible to fight again until April 11 – three days following the last DSE-run PRIDE event at the Super Saitama Arena.

Silva (31-7-1) was unable to procure a medical clearance this week to shorten that suspension. Chute Boxe USA, the American arm of Silva’s Brazilian-based team, had announced on Wed. that their fighter would face Igor Vovchanchyn in Silva’s final fight under dream Stage Entertainment’s lead.

On March 27, the PRIDE promotion was purchased by Zuffa LLC, owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, for an undisclosed figure.