Anderson Silva challenges Conor McGregor to a superfight and receives a response from the Irishman

A. Silva and C. McGregor suggest a catchweight fight for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @spiderandersonsilva

After being publicly considered the best in MMA history for nothing more, nothing less, than Conor McGregor, Anderson Silva responded to the kindness in an unusual way. Showing respect to the Irishman, the Brazilian legend challenged 'Notório' to a superfight, stating that the confrontation would be a gift to fans of the sport.

See too

José Aldo faces Petr Yan for the vacant UFC bantamweight belt

Colby Covington leaves American Top Team and challenges former teammates: 'Let's settle it in the octagon'

Kamaru Usman questions calls for rematch against Colby Covington: 'Was he the champion?'

“I have immense admiration for the great athlete Conor (McGregor) and I believe that a 'super fight' (superfight). It would be something historic for the sport. None of us need to prove anything to anyone anymore. I believe that UFC and sports fans would like to see this great martial spectacle; Testing my martial skills with him would be fantastic”, wrote 'Spider' on his 'Instagram' account.

 

View this photo on Instagram

 

SUPER 👊🏾FIGHT 176.37LBS I have immense admiration for the great athlete Conor and I believe that a super fight would be something historic for the sport, not one of us needs to prove anything to anyone; I believe that UFC and sport fans would like to see this great martial spectacle, testing my martial skills with him would be fantastic!! I have immense admiration for the great athlete that Conor is and I believe that a super fight would go down in the history of the sport, neither of us need to prove anything to anyone; I believe that fans of the UFC and this sport would like to watch this great martial arts spectacle, it would be fantastic to test my martial arts skills against him!!

A publication shared by Anderson "The Spider" Silva (@spiderandersonsilva) on May 27, 2020 at 6:36 am PDT

Upon learning of Silva's proposal, McGregor didn't take long to respond to the MMA icon and, on his 'Twitter' account, gave a simple but respectful response to the former middleweight champion.

“I accept,” wrote Conor, sharing an image of himself next to Anderson.

I accept. https://t.co/HYqF132EvZ

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 28, 2020

Silva's idea is to hold a clash at catchweight, since, today, the Irishman plays at welterweight (up to 77kg) and the Brazilian continues as a middleweight (up to 83,9kg) by origin. The duel, according to 'Spider's' idea, was to exchange forces with 176 pounds, approximately 80kg.

Although he is far from the peak of his career, Anderson, who recently turned 45, still enjoys a lot of respect among athletes and prestige within Ultimate. His history as a great champion of the organization could be a facilitating factor for Dana White and his team to make the confrontation happen.

Conor's schedule, however, could be something that makes the superfight difficult, at least in the coming months, as the Irishman has been considered the favorite to face Kamaru Usman in the welterweight title fight.

Silva hasn't stepped into the octagon since his bitter defeat to Jared Cannonier, in May last year. The Brazilian recently underwent knee surgery and is recovering from the procedure. The sports legend stated that he still has two more fights left in his UFC contract and intends to complete them before officially ending his career.

The Irishman, in turn, returned to the octagon in January this year after spending more than 12 months away from the sport. On his way back, the athlete ran over the charismatic Donald Cerrone with a devastating knockout in the main fight of the UFC 246.