UFC 208Feb 9, 2017 by Duane Finley
Anderson Silva Says Title Shot Not Jacare's Decision to Make
Anderson Silva Says Title Shot Not Jacare's Decision to Make
Anderson Silva says Jacare Souza getting title shot is a decision the UFC has to make.
Having not registered a victory since 2012, Anderson Silva will return to the UFC Octagon Saturday, Feb. 11, against Derek Brunson in the co-main event of UFC 208 in Brooklyn, New York. It will be the 41-year-old fighter's chance to turn back the clock and let the MMA world forget about his disappointing run since knocking out Stephan Bonnar with a brilliant knee strike back at UFC 153.
During Wednesday's official media day for UFC 208, Silva answered questions from reporters who gathered around the future Hall of Famer. When questioned by FloCombat via Ag. Fight who might one day replace him as Brazil's best MMA fighter, "The Spider" took the opportunity to clarify that his career is not over yet.
"I am not experiencing a low," Silva said. "Everyone has his history and has the opportunity to write history. I'm writing mine and cannot compare [to] any athlete or UFC fighter. Everyone has his own history and purpose."
Silva showed supreme confidence that he will win his bout Saturday after losing four fights with one no-contest over the last five years. The Brazilian assured everyone in attendance he will leave the Octagon with his hand raised and revealed what his plans are for after the bout against Brunson.
"If I win on Saturday? I will... If I win, no. I'm going to win on Saturday and then I'm going home with my family to continue my projects outside of fighting and then I'll see what happens," Silva said. "I have some movies that are coming around and I'm going back to studying and making commitments outside of fighting. Let's see."
Despite his recent lack of victories, Anderson Silva is still ranked seventh in the UFC's middleweight division that he ran for so long. As a former longtime champion, Silva hopes that a decisive win will ensure him a chance to fight for the belt again—especially because the current owner of the title only narrowly beat Silva one year ago, when Michael Bisping edged out a decision win against "The Spider" at UFC London.
Another fighter deserving of a title fight is Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, who is not only ranked third in the UFC's middleweight division but is also Silva's training partner and friend. So would Silva jump the queue to get the belt if given the chance? "The Spider" will leave that decision to Dana White and company.
"I don't know," Silva said. "This is not up to me or 'Jacaré.' That depends on UFC, Dana. They know what's best for fans and the UFC, right? I'm here to fight. I still have a contract with the UFC and a great relationship with the UFC."
During Wednesday's official media day for UFC 208, Silva answered questions from reporters who gathered around the future Hall of Famer. When questioned by FloCombat via Ag. Fight who might one day replace him as Brazil's best MMA fighter, "The Spider" took the opportunity to clarify that his career is not over yet.
"I am not experiencing a low," Silva said. "Everyone has his history and has the opportunity to write history. I'm writing mine and cannot compare [to] any athlete or UFC fighter. Everyone has his own history and purpose."
Silva showed supreme confidence that he will win his bout Saturday after losing four fights with one no-contest over the last five years. The Brazilian assured everyone in attendance he will leave the Octagon with his hand raised and revealed what his plans are for after the bout against Brunson.
"If I win on Saturday? I will... If I win, no. I'm going to win on Saturday and then I'm going home with my family to continue my projects outside of fighting and then I'll see what happens," Silva said. "I have some movies that are coming around and I'm going back to studying and making commitments outside of fighting. Let's see."
Despite his recent lack of victories, Anderson Silva is still ranked seventh in the UFC's middleweight division that he ran for so long. As a former longtime champion, Silva hopes that a decisive win will ensure him a chance to fight for the belt again—especially because the current owner of the title only narrowly beat Silva one year ago, when Michael Bisping edged out a decision win against "The Spider" at UFC London.
Another fighter deserving of a title fight is Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, who is not only ranked third in the UFC's middleweight division but is also Silva's training partner and friend. So would Silva jump the queue to get the belt if given the chance? "The Spider" will leave that decision to Dana White and company.
"I don't know," Silva said. "This is not up to me or 'Jacaré.' That depends on UFC, Dana. They know what's best for fans and the UFC, right? I'm here to fight. I still have a contract with the UFC and a great relationship with the UFC."