Still on a media tour following his ousting as UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva is promising a new version of himself will step inside the Octagon in his rematch against Chris Weidman.
Speaking to R.J. Clifford on Sirius XM’s Fight Club, Silva boasted (h/t MMA Mania): “The new Anderson is coming.”
Silva was ignominiously knocked out by Weidman at UFC 162, ending his near seven-year reign as 185-pound champion. Critics have circled in on the Brazilian for being too cocky and disrespectful to his opponents, an attitude that precipitated his first loss since 2006.
In his interview with Clifford, Silva explained his behaviour.
I don’t disrespect my opponents… This is my strategy, my style of fight. People say ‘Anderson no respect the opponent, no respect Chris Weidman.’ This is not real. I respect Chris Weidman. I respect my opponent.
Silva, who still has 10 fights left on his contract, said after his loss that he would not fight for the belt again. However, he was soon dissuaded of that decision by UFC president Dana White, his coaches and family.
After Weidman, win or lose, Silva said he is open to the much talked of superfights between him and Georges St. Pierre or Jon Jones, as well as his more curious dream of fighting in a boxing match against Roy Jones Jr.
But before then, the fighter is looking to reinvigorate himself with some much needed help. Having previously called on action hero Steven Segal, Silva says this time he might call on two other action movie legends.
I have the new strategy for my next fight… I talk to Chuck Norris and Bolo Yeung for help for my next fight… I try to talk to Jean-Claude Van Damme, but he no answer the phone,” he continued. “I say, ‘Please call me, I need your help.’
On a more serious note, Silva is planning to include training at the home of Muay Thai in Thailand, in preparation for his rematch.
I go to my grandmaster in Thailand… I go for training. I pick up back my energy, the marital arts and the new Anderson is coming. You’ll see.
Considering that his lack of skill against Weidman was in the wrestling department, and not the striking, that’s a curious move. We’ll find out whether the new Silva prevails when he faces Weidman for the second time in Las Vegas on Dec. 28.
Khurram Aziz is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow me on Twitter: Follow @khurramaziz1981
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