Anderson's rival at UFC Rio 3 says he already considers himself retired

the american Stephan bonnar was summoned in a hurry to face Anderson Silva and save the UFC Rio 3 card, an event that takes place on October 13th, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. But anyone who thinks the duel only saved Ultimate's return to Brazil is mistaken. According to Bonnar, he was already considered a retired athlete, but the opportunity to face one of the greatest fighters of all time made him return to competition.

“Honestly, in my head, I was retired. Before my last fight, I felt a lot of pressure. I was the underdog at the bookmakers against Kyle Kingsbury, but I still felt pressure, I had to win. Afterwards, I campaigned to face Rampage Jackson and then being a TUF coach with Forrest griffin (with whom he made the first reality show final, in 2005). If I had to fight again, it would have to be with something like this. I tried, but it didn't go. So it felt like I had retired”, revealed Bonnar, in an interview with the North American website MMA Junkie. “But as soon as Anderson was offered to me I came out of retirement for the biggest fight I could have dreamed of. It’s funny”, added the fighter.

Despite the responsibility of facing one of the biggest names in MMA of all time, the American revealed that he has nothing to lose in the duel on October 13th, in Rio.
“He’s one of the best guys at all weights. He has 15 consecutive victories in the UFC, being champion for six years. He's a great fighter, but I feel like I have nothing to lose. Fight with Anderson Silva, in your backyard, being an underdog….I don’t need to ask for anything else,” concluded Bonnar.

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