Meet Bruno Caveira, a Brazilian who promises to surprise Anderson Silva in a boxing fight

Next Saturday (14), Anderson Silva returns to the ring to face Bruno 'Caveira' Machado, in the second most important fight of the 'global titans', which takes place on a heliport located in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS no 'YouTube', the compatriot revealed that he was happy with the opportunity and introduced himself to the large MMA audience.

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“I've been fighting professional MMA since I was 19 years old and I've lived in Abu Dhabi for eight years. I was champion of the UAE Warriors, which is currently the biggest event in the Middle East. I won my belt over ex-UFC Mike Santiago – who joined the UFC. And my last fight was against fellow UFC fighter Mickael Lebout. Now, I have this challenge of doing this boxing with 'Spider'”, presented Bruno.

Known as 'Caveira', the fighter confesses that he is inspired by 'Spider' in his performances in the UAE Warriors, where he is lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.). He even says that he spent two nights without sleeping after he signed the contract to face the Brazilian boxing legend.

“Anderson inspires me a lot. The way he fights, the way he kicks. If you see some of my fights, you'll see that I try to do just like him. It's a pleasure to have this opportunity to go up there and experience what it's like to fight with Anderson, right? After the fight ended I spent two nights without sleeping. I have very good expectations and I'm training a lot for this”, confessed the fighter.

Former relationship with 'Spider'

Despite the admiration, Bruno has an old relationship with Anderson Silva. The MMA fighter says he met the 'Spider' during a training period at 'Team Nogueira' and promised to give a great show to fans of the sport, who should watch an exhibition fight with eight two-minute rounds.

“I trained for a long time at 'Team Nogueira'. I started training there in 2008 or 2009 and trained with the Nogueira brothers. There, I met Anderson (Silva) and we trained for a long time, too. We have a good relationship and we even talked about the fight. What I can make clear is that you will be surprised, that it will be a very good fight. You can expect the best from us there in the ring. I don't know if it will be worth a knockout or not, but I know it will be eight two-minute rounds”, said 'Caveira'.

First experience in professional boxing

Even though he has been working in mixed martial arts since 2007, Bruno Machado says he will do so, against Anderson Silva, his first experience in professional boxing. Based on jiu-jitsu, he admits that he doesn't know about the selection criteria, but says he is honored with the invitation.

“Professionally, no. I already fought as an amateur in 2016, if I'm not mistaken. Here in the United Arab Emirates. I don't know exactly the criteria for choosing. Someone from the event contacted us and invited us to the fight. Probably because I'm the champion of the event and it would be better to have someone who lives here do this fight. But I can’t tell you exactly what it was”, highlighted the Brazilian.

UFC? What nothing…

UAE Warriors champion, Bruno 'Caveira' is enjoying a great moment, with six consecutive victories in MMA. When asked about a possible migration to the UFC, the Brazilian says he is disappointed with the organization and is surprised to say that the dream of migrating to Dana White's organization is no longer an objective for his career.

“It was a goal, but after I fought Mickael Lebout it stopped being so. Dana White was at the event and the fight went to a decision. Mickael showed up at the weigh-in at 3,5kg. above and, after an hour, he was 7,5kg. above. And I was still recovering. And, if you look at the fight, even with the disadvantage of having weighed less, I was much more prepared. I made myself look like a beginner. After the fight ended, he (Dana) didn't give me a contract. He doesn't know everything that happened and the disadvantages I had. So I no longer have that intention in my head. I want to continue in MMA and, if I achieve something in the PFL, Bellator or ONE Championship, I will also be very happy”, he concluded.

Athlete History

Professional since 2007, Bruno 'Caveira' Machado has 24 fights in mixed martial arts. Holder of the UAE Warriors lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg), he has a record of 15 positive results and nine negative results. Against Anderson Silva, he will have his first fight in professional boxing.