Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
It is a curious development for the two former rivals, and goes to show how tightly knit some teams become while training to compete in one of the sport’s toughest arenas. Silva and Cane did not like each other while living and training in Brazil, and Silva had to be consulted before Cane was allowed to join the Florida-based ATT.
In the short time since the two have become fast friends. Silva, who could be in line for a title shot should he knock off former champion Rashad Evans at UFC 108 in January, stated that he would much rather find a way to share the title, than face Cane.
Cane deferred when asked about his possible place in line for the light heavyweight title, claiming that Silva was clearly ahead of him and that he would have to wait to see what happens with his teammate’s bid before he considers his own chances.
This has been a point of contention for UFC president Dana White, who has stated that teammates should be willing to fight each other. It is one of the few fights the bombastic boss has failed to gain traction on. Despite his repeated comments on the subject, it seems more and more fighters and teams are taking a public stance that is wholly in contrast with White’s.