MMA legend Anderson Silva might be trying his hand at boxing these days, but with retirement looming, he wants to return to the cage before it’s all over. Specifically, the former UFC middleweight champion believes his final MMA fight should take place in Japan, a dream “The Spider” revealed recently on The MMA Hour.
“When I did my last fight in the UFC, I talked to Japan about doing my last fight there. Because it completely makes sense.
Anderson Silva Wants to Retire with MMA Fight in Japan
My first title belt, I took in Japan, in Shooto. Maybe I fight in Japan, my last fight, to prove my respect for the people in Japan, for my fans in Japan too. We’ll see, I don’t know.”
Although Anderson Silva hails from Brazil, it’s clear that Japan holds a special place in his heart. He’s even discussed the possibility with RIZIN, a major fight promotions company in Asia. “Probably my last fight is MMA. I think probably my last fight is MMA in Japan.”
I talked to RIZIN, I talked to the different companies there, make a show there. I don’t care about the [size of] the shows, big or not. Because when I started in Shooto, it was a small show, very good, and it made me so happy because at the time I just went there and did my best and I showed my respect for my country, to my masters, and to my academy.
I feel I can do this again and finish this part of my life and not think about, ‘I think I go back to do something.’ No, when I’m done, I’m done. I just close the door. This is part of my past, thank you, and I’m out.”
While Anderson Silva is focused on his next fight, against YouTuber Jake Paul, the sweet science isn’t the only item on his menu. Silva wants to put his jiu-jitsu to the test next.
“Of course, this makes me more happy because for many, many years I have a contract with the big company and I’m stuck [from] doing something more. But this is the past, now it’s about the future, it’s about my legacy, and I continue doing my best in boxing and in a different sport too.
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, and I’m so excited to continue fighting, to continue putting my heart in training and testing myself, my mind, my body.”
Are you looking forward to Anderson Silva’s curtain call? Let us know in the comments.
