Antonio Silva was believed to be well on his way to becoming one of MMA’s top heavyweights until he met Daniel Cormier in the Hexagon. Cormier gave him a good KO in the first round, which resulted in Silva getting the boot from Strikeforce’s heavyweight grand prix.
Silva learned a valuable lesson from that night and says he will continue to carry it with him throughout his career, which looks like may come to be in UFC.
“Cormier is a good person and a great fighter, but he should have also played the lotto that day,” said Silva. “The first punch he landed took me out, and I was unable to fight after it.”
“I am from Paraiba, and we always come to fight and let it all hang out. But I learned a lesson: We should not fight for the money but for the love of fighting. After Alistair Overeem dropped out of the tournament, I wanted out of the grand prix, as well, but I continued for the money and God punished me. Money should never be the priority.”
He still suffers from his shoulder injury, but wants back in the cage to prove he can do it.
“I had my shoulder operated on Nov. 22, and I am already 80 percent healed,” Silva said. “My physical therapist says I am a mutant because of the speed of my recovery. My focus has been to stay in as good of shape as possible to make my recovery faster, and it worked.”
It’s still unknown which cage Silva will make his reapperance in.
Dana White has recently stated that Strikforce will only hold two more heavyweight contests before disbanding the division.
UFC will more than likely take all the heavywieghts from Strikeforce, but Silva is still in the dark as to where his future lies.
“I really want to fight in the best event in the world – where the best fighters are,” Silva said. “It will be awesome if the Strikeforce heavyweights make it over to the UFC. There are many great fights to be made.”
“It does not always depend on me, but the day the invitation comes, you may be certain that I will be ready to honor it and give it my best. When I receive the call form the UFC, I will fight who ever Joe Silva wants me to fight.”
With the work still in progress, Silva has resumed light training while continuing rehab for his shoulder.
“I thank everyone for the appreciation, even when I lost,” Silva said. “I am thankful for the great training I have at Team Nogueira in Brazil, and the training I get in Florida with the Blackzilians, who are always helping me.”
“I will come back with a great will to win and will continue to achieve important victories.”
