In just a few weeks, Brazilian light-heavyweight fighter Thiago Silva (14-2) will step back into the octagon to face Tim Boetsch (11-3) at UFC 117 in Oakland, Calif.
Silva is coming off a loss to UFC top contender and former champion Rashad Evans. It was a fight the Brazilian took with three herniated disks in his back which more than likely contributed to his unanimous decision loss.
Now Silva is healthy and looking to climb his way back up the UFC light-heavyweight division. Silva recently spoke to Tatame.com about his injury as well as his upcoming fight.
How are the trainings for your fight on UFC 117 going?
The training is good, it’s being very productive, the guys are committed and the expectations are high… The last time I fought was seven month ago, right? It’s time, I’m ready. He’s a good wrestler, a good banger, has a good boxing, but my strategy is settled.You had an injury on your fight with Rashad Evans. Is your recovery done? Are you going to be 100% for this fight?
My recovery was good. I found out I had three hernias and it disturbed me a bit because I couldn’t get back to my trainings, I had to stop and take care of myself, but I’m fine now. I did physiotherapy every single day and it became a routine thing for me, but my back is good, I’m training hard, so the expectations are high. I’ll get back at my best.You are coming from a loss to Rashad, who will probably be the next challenger for the belt. How do you see yourself on the division currently?
I see myself as an athlete with a potential to be developed and that, despite the injury, is working hard to compensate it. I don’t choose my opponents, I fight with whoever they tell me to, but I want to fight the bests. From this fight on, I want to fight the tops again.