“I fought in the UFC for a long, long time and I’m happy to be back to fight, especially Israel because he’s young and he’s a good talent,” he said. “But it’s not about proving anything to anybody. I’m just trying to work hard on my skills and grow my martial arts technique and try to give something special to my fans, especially since I haven’t fought for a long time.”
How special? Special enough that a win may very well put Silva in a world title fight for the first time since 2013.
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“First of all, I need to win the fight, so step by step,” he smiles. “I believe (UFC President) Dana (White) gave me this opportunity because I was champion for a long, long time. I’m working hard for that (title shot) and I’ll try to prove for all my fans in the world I have a chance to take my belt back.”
Sometimes, all the great ones need is a chance, an opportunity to deliver one more performance for the ages. If Silva can do it, well, he knows what it means.
“That’s a Rocky movie,” he said. “Imagine Anderson Silva wins and takes the belts back. Adrian! (Laughs) It’s the Rocky story. But I’m very happy because it’s a challenge. Israel is a great challenge, and I pass this, hopefully I fight for the belt and hopefully it’s a good story and I win and take the belt and drop the mic. It’s done, over, next step.”
