A. Silva (photo) spoke to fans and journalists in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
Almost ten months after fracturing his left leg in the rematch against Chris Weidman, Anderson Silva is officially back in the UFC. For Spider's return, the organization held a press conference in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) broadcast on its official channel on YouTube for the entire planet. Usually averse to this type of event, Anderson seemed much more relaxed during the question session and even joked about the injury he suffered that kept him away from the octagon.
“The leg is fine. Even Dr. Tannure (personal and UFC doctor) jokes with me: 'You can kick, that leg won't break again'. But when in doubt, I'll kick from the waist up. So I don't have any problems. I don't think I'll take advantage (because I have a metal plate in the region), I'm training a lot and now I have less pressure, that of having spent seven years winning. So I think the fight with the Nick Diaz It’s going to be a good fight”, assured Spider.
Furthermore, Anderson also spoke about his current condition and whether he believes he will have enough confidence to kick again. “The training sessions are great, because I'm able to execute the moments I did at the beginning. Right after I had the injury and recovered, I didn't have any strength because I lost strength, but I've recovered. I'm already doing specific work to regain strength in my leg and with each passing day I'm returning to my origins, of being able to kick without fear. So, I believe I will be 100% on fight day”, he assessed.
Finally, the former middleweight champion also announced the inclusion of legendary jiu-jitsu black belt Ricardo de la Riva in his preparation team. “We brought Master De La Riva, because every time I fight, I end up falling at the bottom and I don't feel safe at the bottom. So, we have the greatest jiu-jitsu fighter of all time on guard here on my side. I had the humility to ask him to come and be part of my team,” he revealed.
At 39, Anderson Silva has a professional record of 33 wins and six losses. Middleweight champion between 2006 and 2013, Anderson has not fought since December 28 of last year, when he was defeated by Chris Weidman in the title rematch – when he fractured his left leg. Recovered, Spider returns to the octagon on January 31, 2015, when he faces Nick Diaz in the main fight of UFC 183.
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