via s2.glbimg.com

Rumor had it earlier this week that "The Spider" would be considering a drop in weight classes (from 185 lbs to 170 lbs) so he could challenge Welterweight division kingpin Georges St. Pierre and open way for his Blackhouse partner Lyoto Machida (currently fighting at 205 lbs) to drop down to Middleweight. According to "SPORTV.COM" - the parent network of Canal Combate - it was nothing but rumors. From the United States, where Silva is residing, he denied the news and requested that his physical therapist, Angela Côrtes, clarified the situation in Brazil. This is what she had to say to SPORTV.COM:

Regarding all the speculation that the current champion of the UFC's Middleweight Division would make the move to 170 lbs, I can say, after talking to Anderson, that there is no possibility that the move will happen at this moment. No decision is made without the team carefully assessing and planning the move, and therefore, Anderson Silva will remain fighting at 185 lbs as the UFC's Middleweight Champion.

via s2.glbimg.com

Anderson Silva's team at UFC 148, from left to right: Ramon Lemos (jiu-jitsu), Angela Cortes (physical therapist), Miguel Vieira (nutrition) and Rogerio Camoes (personal trainer).

Anderson just recently won by way of TKO a bout against his archenemy Chael Sonnen, at UFC 148. Since then, the UFC has been struggling to find the champ a new opponent. In a recent interview, one of the Spider's manager, Jorge "Joinha" Guimaraes, revealed that Silva was offered a fight against the young prospect Chris Weidman, which he refused, and also that the champion will probably fight again in 2013. While St-Pierre is definitely a possibility, the fight would take place at a Catch-weight of 180 lbs, says Silva's manager.

The Spider's future, for now, is still in Middleweight, where he successfully defended his belt ten times.

Translated from: SPORTV.COM