Pound-for-pound champion in the books of many MMA pundits Anderson Silva deferred some of his glory to friend and sometimes training partner Paulo Filho. “He’s complete. I think he’s absolute in this division, there’s nobody to beat him. In my opinion, he’s the best middleweight,” said Anderson Silva according to the report by Guilherme Cruz for Tatame.com.

In addition contrary to some reports that Silva and Filho would fight each other and unify both Zuffa 185 lbs. it appears unlikely that it will happen any time soon. “I would never fight with Paulão. We almost train together, we’re always helping each other and (Josuel) Distak is our coach. There is no chance to happen. People can complain, scream, whatever, but it won’t happen.”

This is disappointing news for fans who feel Filho is the only challenger out there that can dethrone the current champion. Silva looks to free reign in a division with few clear cut #1 contenders who are ready to challenge for his belt.