Anderson Silva is retiring from MMA and will no longer take part in any promotion events. Moreover, Silva will now take up boxing, starting with a bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in New Mexico.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, Silva reveals how he is finally hanging up his MMA gloves and taking up new ones. Surprisingly, Silva was also aware of his release from the UFC after his loss to Uriah Hall in November,2020.
“I think MMA for me is done,” Silva says. “Because it’s hard to train MMA. It’s hard to stay training in a good level because you hurt yourself a lot. Now I just try to enjoy. I don’t need to prove nothing for anybody. I just try to enjoy every single moment I fight in different sports. And that’s it.”
However, he also adds, “Maybe my next challenge is jiu-jitsu — gi or no gi,”. Silva emphasizes on the need to take things step by step. “Just enjoy the moment. The whole martial arts”.
Thankfully, Silva, 46, will still compete in other combat sports. The Brazilian legend is already booked to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a boxing match June 19 in Guadalajara, Mexico. However, he promises that he will not do any more MMA.
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What Made Anderson Silva So Great?
Clearly, Anderson Silva served as an inspiration to a lot of fighters in the current age. ‘The Spider” was renowned for his athleticism, skill, and ability to put on the most entertaining of fights.
Whilst Silva was nearly ‘untouchable’ in his prime, the deterioration towards the end of his career was very evident. In his last 9 fights, Silva was only able to win once and draw once. The rest included losses to the likes of Chris Weidman, Michael Bisping, Daniel Cormier, and an up-and-coming Israel Adesanya.
Anderson Silva of Brazil kicks Israel Adesanya of New Zealand in their middleweight bout during the UFC 234 at Rod Laver Arena. (Credits: Getty Images)
Even though many rank him lower due to his deteriorating form before his eventual retirement, there are others who rank him based on his prime. It is as Ben Askren once explained, “Depending on what you hold most valuable, you might come up with a different conclusion.”
Whatever the case may be, Anderson will always be known for captivating fighters and fans alike. He has left behind a legacy and a career filled with moments of pure brilliance and marvel. Regardless of how his career finished, he will be regarded as one of the best to ever set foot inside the Octagon.
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