Bizarre showing from Filho to result in Zuffa ouster?

Paulo Filho, Courtesy of Zuffa

True to his word, Paulo Filho has agreed to vacate the WEC middleweight belt after losing unanimously on points to Chael Sonnen on Wednesday. Flying back to Los Angeles from Florida the day after what was supposed to be a five-round championship fight, Filho's manager, Ed Soares, said he planned on shipping the belt to Sonnen as soon as he could.

Filho and his camp discussed the fate of the title following the worst performance of the Brazilian's heretofore unbeaten campaign, said Soares.

In his 17th contest as a pro, Filho, who failed to make weight by four pounds after first stepping on the scales at 192 pounds, fought like an intimidated rookie. Everything that made him a terror in Brazil and Japan appeared to be lost. He showed nothing of the power and aggression that propelled him to the No. 2 middleweight ranking behind his teammate and friend, Anderson Silva. Filho simply did not fight like a man befitting his ranking.

Having returned to his locker room after refusing to engage for 15 minutes, Filho (16-1), told several times he'd lost, reacted as if he was unaware the fight had even reached its conclusion, Soares said.

Soon, Filho drew attention from doctors when the dilation of his pupils didn't match. Later that evening, however, the 30-year-old grappler was released from a local hospital, his eyes functioning as close to normal as they'd done all night.

Last December, Filho armbarred Sonnen to controversy at 4:55 in the second round. Sonnen, a former wrestler at the University of Oregon, protested loudly, and promoters granted his wish for a rematch. The pair was set to fight again in March, but a widely reported tussle with depression forced Filho out of the bout. In September, Hurricane Ike prompted WEC officials to postpone the Hollywood, Fla., card to November.

There is some speculation that Wednesday's fight -- if one can call it that -- might be Filho's last for Zuffa. At 185 pounds, Filho appeared poised to depart WEC's soon-to-be cleaved ranks for the greener -- and far more challenging -- pastures of the UFC. Yet his performance, coupled with the inability to approach his contract weight, could severely diminish interest in him. Still, there aren't many big-name free agents in need of redemption, so Filho could court some attractive fights if he was forced to move on.

Comments (5) Add A Comment

November 7, 2008 01:40 PM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

This guy needs to get his act together and get another shot at redemption. I saw the fight and something just wasnt right with Filho. He seemed like a completely different fighter, but even with him not engaging at all in the bout, it never seemed like he was hurt at all by sonnan, he was just in the cage shall we say, "chillen". If he can fix his personal problems he should definatly get another shot at middleweight contention

neu1983

Clermont , FL

Total Comments (54)

November 7, 2008 04:07 PM ET

A case similar to Rampage after Forrest took the belt from him. I wouldn't be surprised if Filho went the way of Lutter for not having his head in the game though. Sad either way.

RaiderDave

Dublin, CA

Total Comments (507)

November 10, 2008 08:34 AM ET

I hate to say it because he may have legitimate problems, but maybe he is trying to duck a fight with Anderson Silva. I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but after this year the middleweight divison will be gone in the WEC. If it is then they will bring over the middleweight champion and have a unification fight to determine the undisputed champion much like they did with the Pride belts.

Now if Filho has been as explosive/aggressive and still be the champion then UFC (Zuffa) would defiantely put this fight on regardless of them being friends and saying they would not fight each other. I know it sounds bad to say that a highly regarded athlete like Filho would do this, but maybe he just does not want to be forced to fight his friend. I bet that after Silva retires the old Filho comes back and becomes the UFC middleweight champion because he would not have to fight his friend. Time will tell I guess, but I must admit that I do miss the old Filho and hope he comes back to his senses!

kodiak130

Woodbridge , VA

Total Comments (6)

November 10, 2008 09:06 PM ET

Kodiak, I just don't buy that he would throw the fight like that just to not have to fight Silva. Any fighter who isn't fighting his best jus to avoid a fight with a friend isn't going to be around. Dana White isn't going to sign him if he cant make weight and he puts on fights like the last one. Dana likes fighters that fight, and Filho did everything but fight against Sonnen.

Jason70

Charleston, SC

Total Comments (2009)

November 11, 2008 01:23 PM ET

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:34 AM ET 11.10 by kodiak130

I hate to say it because he may have legitimate problems, but maybe he is trying to duck a fight with Anderson Silva. I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but after this year the middleweight divison will be gone in the WEC. If it is then they will bring over the middleweight champion and have a unification fight to determine the undisputed champion much like they did with the Pride belts.Now if Filho has been as explosive/aggressive and still be the champion then UFC (Zuffa) would defiantely put this fight on regardless of them being friends and saying they would not fight each other. I know it sounds bad to say that a highly regarded athlete like Filho would do this, but maybe he just does not want to be forced to fight his friend. I bet that after Silva retires the old Filho comes back and becomes the UFC middleweight champion because he would not have to fight his friend. Time will tell I guess, but I must admit that I do miss the old Filho and hope he comes back to his senses!

Anderson Silva has stated in previous interviews that he won't fight Filho because they're teammates. I like the Brazilian fighters, but the whole teammate thing can get irritating. I think Wanderlai and Shogun have basically said the same thing about a possible fight between them.