Anderson Silva Releases Statement Following Final UFC Fight

It remains to be seen whether Anderson Silva fights again, but in a post-fight statement the legend has released, the former champ has not confirmed he’s retiring.

Silva hopes he left memories for fans

The 45-year-old star took on Uriah Hall at UFC Vegas 12, in a fight that was promoted as Silva’s final, UFC appearance. Hall spoiled any chance of Silva returning to the win column, as he stopped the legend with strikes in round four.

As did prior to the event, after the bout, Silva stopped short of saying he’s retiring. The dynamic fighter noted that it was likely his final, UFC bout, but he left the door open to fighting again.

More recently, Silva shared out the statement below via Instagram.

“Good morning, my people, today is a very different day for a simple reason, and I wanted to thank you all these years with your cheerleading!
I want to thank the God for granting me the gift of the fight! Thank you my people for all understanding, for all your support and for all your amazing moments that we live in this sport together! _
I hope I left it in memory and in the heart of each of you a little of who I am, that you can overcome difficulties, every second of uncertainty and to overcome obstacles in your lives!”
Never think about giving up, as hard as things get at some point; know that ​​I leave all my love, all my respect for you!”!
“Force and time always and God bless you all!” Thank you all, bless you, and bless you”

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Bom dia meu povo, hoje é um dia bem diferente por um simples motivo, ME DESPEDIR DE UMA VIDA INTEIRA DEDICADA AO MEU ESPORTE; ontem foi tão especial quanto, subi lá para fazer o que amo, eu não imaginava que iria ficar tão feliz como eu estou, mesmo perdendo, estou com um sentimento de paz, do fundo do meu coração quero agradecer todos vocês, meu time minha família, meus amigos e todos que viram a luta; saibam que sempre foi uma grande honra lutar todos esses anos com a torcida de vocês!!! Quero agradecer a DEUS por ter me concedido o dom da luta!!! Obrigado meu povo por toda compreensão, por todo apoio de vocês e pelos incríveis momentos que juntos vivemos neste esporte!!! GRATIDÃO ETERNA A TODOS??❤️ Espero ter deixado na memória e no coração de cada um de vocês um pouco de quem eu sou, que vocês possam superar dificuldades, cada segundo de incertezas e para superar obstáculos em suas vidas!!! Nunca pensem em desistir, por mais que as coisas se tornem difíceis em algum momento; saiba que “vai passar”; deixo todo meu amor, todo todo o meu respeito para vocês!!! FORÇA e HONRA sempre e que DEUS abençoe todos vocês!!!! Gratidão a todos vocês ❤️?❤️????DEUS abençoe ???? Good morning, my people, today is a very different day for a simple reason, and I wanted to thank you all these years with your cheerleading! I want to thank the God for granting me the gift of the fight! Thank you my people for all understanding, for all your support and for all your amazing moments that we live in this sport together! _ I hope I left it in memory and in the heart of each of you a little of who I am, that you can overcome difficulties, every second of uncertainty and to overcome obstacles in your lives!" Never think about giving up, as hard as things get at some point; know that ​​I leave all my love, all my respect for you!"! "Force and time always and God bless you all!" Thank you all, bless you, and bless you ??❤️??

A post shared by Anderson "The Spider" Silva (@spiderandersonsilva) on Nov 1, 2020 at 12:31pm PST

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So, while Silva is clearly reminiscing on his career here and it sounds like he’s saying goodbye in one sense. The fact he hasn’t outright said he’s retiring is pretty telling.

It will be interesting to see what comes next for Silva. Following UFC Vegas 12, Dana White said the legend should never fight again. So, will the UFC release Silva from his deal – he has one bout left – and let him fight elsewhere?

Although Silva has just one official win on his record since 2012, and is turning 46 in April, there’s no question another promotion will pick him up for a fight or two if he’s available.