Despite initial reports, it appears the UFC has not endorsed Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort as the competing coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil". According to sources close to MMA Junkie, UFC officials rejected the rumor late Monday afternoon.
"We have not had one conversation about coaches," an unnamed official said.
Reports first broke on Monday morning when a story on South American news outlet Extra Globo claimed the two Brazilian legends had been selected to coach the previously confirmed international season. According to Extra Globo, the series was to begin on March 2012.
If the report was proven true, it would have likely shelved both Silva and Belfort for upwards of half a year. Belfort is rumored to be eyeing a slot on UFC 141 as he recovers from the injury that forced him out of a UFC 139 matchup against former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le. Meanwhile, Silva is expected to return in early 2012 after rehabilitating from a minor injury suffered before UFC 134.