Japanese Mixed Martial Arts promotion RIZIN Fighting Federation boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara has expressed interest in signing former UFC middleweight champion and Brazilian MMA legend Anderson Silva.
Anderson Silva was released from the UFC last month following his TKO loss to Uriah Hall in Las Vegas.
Anderson Silva had a legendary run in the UFC which consisted of a sixteen-fight winning streak. He made his MMA debut back in 1995 and made his UFC debut in 2006 with a knockout win over Chris Leben at UFC Fight Night 5.
Anderson Silva won the UFC title in just his second fight with the promotion. He defeated Rich Franklin via KO at UFC 64 in October 2006. He then went on to defend his title 10-times.
RIZIN interested in signing Anderson Silva
Despite being released by the promotion Anderson Silva is interested in fighting. However, no reputed MMA promotion had expressed interest in signing him until RIZIN.
“I have great memories with Anderson Silva from the PRIDE days and in my personal opinion I think his career took off in Japan,” Sakakibara said in an interview. “I have heard that Japan has a special part in his heart as well.
“I do feel that I would like to help him fulfill his wishes out of respect for what he as accomplished and what he has done for our sport. I haven’t talked to him yet but I would be interested to see if we can come up with something that makes sense for him to start his final chapter in Japan.” Sakakibara said. (H/T – BJPenn.com)
What’s next for Anderson Silva?
While no major promotion wants to sign Anderson Silva, the Brazilian legend made it clear in an Instagram post that he wants to continue fighting.
“Hey everyone… I didn’t want to talk about this subject, especially because I’m on vacation and as the saying goes, “a deal is a deal” I’ll make it clear to all my fans that this is a moment of joy and gratitude!!! I feel free, after an attempt to force my retirement!” Silva said in an Instagram post.
“I love and have always loved what I do, winning and losing are a part of it, it has absolutely nothing to do with age, I made technical mistakes and lost, but I didn’t lose what’s most important, the will and the desire to continue doing what I love, I still have the warrior spirit and that burning flame in my heart that motivates me, I have total belief that I can continue to compete in the elite of MMA. I take this moment to reflect about my career and to plan my next moves… Stay Tuned!!!”
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