Anderson Silva may be 44 year’s old and has just one win in his last five bouts. But, the legendary fighter hasn’t ruled out fighting for the UFC’s 185 crown one more time.
The former champ is preparing to fight Jared Cannonier at UFC 237, which will go down on May 10th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The bout will be Silva’s first since he lost via decision to now-interim champ, Israel Adesanya in February. If Silva had won that fight, then he very likely would have been tapped to face Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 last weekend.
Well, although most folks have likely closed the book on the championship stage of Silva’s career, while talking to the media recently, “The Spider” said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):
“I never put something in my mind like, ‘Oh I need to fight again for the belt,’” Silva said. “No. That’s a part in my life I passed. But I continue to fight. But I don’t know – maybe I have a new opportunity to fight for the belt. I don’t know.
“But I’m not putting my whole energy like, ‘Oh, I need to get back to fight for the title.’ No. That’s the (second) point for me, the first point is just continue to fight, continue to put my heart in the sport, then maybe I have a chance to fight for the belt again.”
Now, is Silva (34-9, 1 no contest) being delusional here? No. While the chances of him fighting for the belt one more time at this juncture are unquestionably small, you never know in this crazy sport. Especially when you’re one of the all-time greats.
If Silva can score a couple more, big wins, and if say, a top contender or two go down with injuries when a title fight’s on the calendar, it could happen. Never say never.
Cannonier (11-4), meanwhile, is coming off a second round, stoppage win over David Branch in November.
Here is the line-up for UFC 237.
115 lbs.: UFC Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade
145 lbs.: Jose Aldo vs. Alex Volkanovski
185 lbs.: Anderson Silva vs. Jared Cannonier
205 lbs.: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Ryan Spann
135 lbs.: Bethe Correia vs. Irene Aldana
135 lbs.: Luana Carolina vs. Wu Yanan
170 lbs.: Thiago Alves vs. Laureano Staropoli
135 lbs.: Talita Bernardo vs. Jessica-Rose Clark
145 lbs.: Clay Guida vs. B.J. Penn
135 lbs.: Said Nurmagomedov vs. Raoni Barcelos
170 lbs.: Warlley Alves vs. Sergio Moraes
155 lbs.: Thiago Moises vs. Kurt Holobaugh
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