It may have come as a surprise when it was announced that former long-time middleweight champion Anderson Silva would be facing off with light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier on just two days’ notice after Jon Jones was yanked from the card due to a possible anti-doping violation, but it turns out that Silva was the one who inquired about the opening.
According to the Brazilian legend, he was simply interested in the challenge despite having not been in training camp (Via FOX Sports):
“It’s a great challenge fighting at this event. Obviously, I wanted to be fighting in my own weight class for the belt, but I’m here. It’s a great challenge through everything that I’ve done, through wins and defeats and everything. So it’s a great challenge for me,” Silva said when explaining why he took the fight with Cormier on Thursday.
Despite being considered to be one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all-time, Silva isn’t being given too much of a chance against Cormier. While admitting that he may not be in typical fight shape, “The Spider” said that he’s not here to disrespect anyone, but rather to challenge himself in a unique way:
“I don’t want Daniel or anyone else to think I’m underestimating him or coming in here trying to challenge a champion. I’m not doing any of that,” Silva said. “I’m here to challenge myself and I think that I haven’t trained in a few months, but I think I’m in good condition to go in there and put on a good fight.”
Silva, who was scheduled to be in Vegas regardless, will now be faced with the opportunity to add another accomplishment to his resume. Aside from his excitement, however, “The Spider” felt sadness for Jones:
“I was sad and I know he went through a lot and I know he was very well prepared to fight Daniel Cormier. With USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) coming into the UFC, things have gotten a lot more professional, we have to watch out for everything we put in our bodies, every supplement, things can happen,” Silva said.
“So I think something happened and I hope he doesn’t get mad that I took his place.”
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