Anderson Silva says it’s unlikely that his MMA career is over. Silva left the UFC in November 2020 to focus on his boxing career, and he has already beaten two MMA legends, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz.
Anderson Silva Eyes The Last MMA Bout In Japan
On October 29 in Glendale, Arizona, he’ll be fighting popular YouTuber, Jake Paul. When asked on Wednesday’s episode of The MMA Hour whether his MMA career was gone, Silva, 46, said that following his last UFC bout at the APEX in Las Vegas, he had considered the possibility of competing in Japan.
In Shooto, I Won My First Heavyweight Title in Japan
Silva said: “When I had my final fight in the UFC, I spoke to Japan about having my last fight there. Because it makes perfect sense. I won my first championship belt in Shooto in Japan.
Maybe I’ll have my final battle in Japan to show my appreciation for the Japanese people and my Japanese supporters.
Well, we’ll have to see about that. After winning the middleweight title at Shooto in 2001, Silva took his crowd-pleasing approach to the illustrious PRIDE organization in Japan before making his epic championship run in the UFC.
His most recent bout was in Japan at Pride FC: Shockwave 2004, which also included Wanderlei Silva, Dan Henderson, Takanori Gomi, Jens Pulver, Mirko Cro Cop, and Mark Hunt. The main event featured Fedor Emelianenko vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
The nation must have a particular place in its heart because of its long history of competition there. “This will most likely be my final MMA bout,” Silva remarked. “My MMA match in Japan will likely be my last.”
Shoto Was a Little Yet Lovely Performance
For my program, I contacted RIZIN and many other local businesses. The [size of] the shows is irrelevant to me. The first concert I performed in Shooto was a tiny but very nice one, and I remember feeling very proud of myself because I gave it my all and represented my nation, my masters, and my school with honour.
I’m certain that I can do this again, close this chapter of my life, and go on without always wondering what comes next. Not; when I’m done, I’m done. The door closes automatically once I leave.
I’m done with this now; it’s in the past. Silva plans to retire from MMA before he is 50, which leaves him with plenty of time to pursue other combat sports. Next April will mark his 48th birthday.
His next boxing match versus Paul is hugely anticipated, as it will put one of the mixed martial arts’ most iconic figures against a social media favourite who has been met with hostility from die-hard fight fans.
Silva dismissed comparisons between mixed martial arts and boxing, saying he is more focused on establishing his credentials in the UFC. When asked why he was fighting, Silva responded, “Everyone believes I’m in this battle to represent the MMA community.”
I Need to Openly Praise Boxing
As for me, it goes beyond that. There’s a need for me to publicly express my admiration for the boxing world. It’s no surprise that “You represent the MMA” is a hot topic of conversation. You have got to knock this man out.
Let me tell you something, fellas: a fight is a fight. Because everyone has their own path, and mine in MMA ended when I retired from the UFC, I don’t let this idea take root in my head. People know how hard I worked for the MMA community, so I don’t have to represent it anymore.
To earn the respect of the boxing community, I have to win several fights. The boxing community has shown a great deal of support for Silva so far.
He said that boxing great Canelo Alvarez spoke with him and signed his gloves after his June 2021 decision victory against Chavez Jr. “Canelo told me something really essential,” Silva said. “Anderson, you have my respect; you have shown me why you are here. I try.
The sport of boxing is unlike any other and having a legend like Canelo come speak to you and say something extremely significant makes you want to appreciate the sport and perform at your best even more.
Although earlier this year Silva voiced his displeasure with the UFC for not properly commemorating the careers of experienced fighters like himself, it now looks like Silva is entirely focused on a successful career conclusion and making the most of his newfound freedom. Silva added, “I’m pleased the entire time.”
Capacity To Fight And Train From Birth
God blessed me at birth with the ability to train and fight, and I am grateful to him every time I get to do so. When I first open my eyes in the morning, I simply try to soak in the vigor and strength I have to keep doing something extraordinary, something I like.
There are moments when I’m not pleased, and everyone knows why, but at the moment I feel like I’m in charge of my own life and my career in combat sports. No one can stop me or tell me I can’t accomplish my goals.
I wouldn’t recommend doing it at all. No, you’re too old for that now. Of course, this makes me even happier since I’ve been under contract with the major corporation for a very long time and am prevented from doing anything else.
Finishing Off Our Discussion
This is history, however; I’m focused on building a lasting legacy for myself and my sport of boxing as well as another. “I’m so excited to continue fighting, to continue putting my heart in training and testing myself, my mind, and my body.”
He said after talking about his plans for the future after his bout with Jake: “I think after this fight with Jake, I go to Dubai to start training jiu-jitsu with my jiu-jitsu coach Ramon Lemos, do the tournament.”
