UFC 64 Preview: Anderson Silva Interview
by Ed Preuss October 2nd

Muay Thai Dream Team fighter Anderson Silva has gained the chance to fight for the middleweight belt of Ultimate Fighting Championshiop against champion Rich Franklin. The UFC 64 show, which takes place on October 14, is only the second appearance of Brazilian fighter in the octagon. Some critic say that the UFC might have gave Silva a title shot too soon. Anderson Silva has KO'd Chris Leben in only 49 seconds of the first round at Ultimate Fight Night 5, on June 28. Silva defends the UFC decision: "I retain two belts in my career: Shooto and Cage Rage and I thank UFC for this opportunity and to be honest with you, I think I might had to wait for a while, but they offered me this chance and I'll go for it", stated the fighter during an interview with MMA365 staff.

MMA365 - Are you ready to fight Franklin?

ANDERSON SILVA - Yes. However I don't know his game that well. I know he is the champ and a very tough fighter. I haven't seen his fights, but I don't care about it. I will play my game and fight on the feet and on the ground, in case he decides to take the fight down. I just got my Jiu-Jitsu black belt and I am ready to use it.  

MMA365 - You've made an impressive performance during your debut at Ultimate Fight Night 5, when you KO'd Chris Leben in only 49 seconds of the first round. Did you get surprise when they said you would fight for the title in your second fight?

ANDERSON SILVA - Well, to be honest with you, I think I might have to wait for a while, but they offered me this chance and I'll go for it. I get two belts, at Shooto and Cage Rage and I thank UFC for this opportunity.

MMA365 - You said you just graduated BJJ black belt, how do you feel about it?

ANDERSON SILVA - I wasn't expecting it but I think my responsibility has increased now. Before I didn't have to prove my ground during a MMA bout and now I do. Being a black belt, I have to train harder and harder to now allow my opponents to submit me. I knew sooner or later the graduation would come out, but I was so happy to receive it from Rodrigo Nogueira's hands.

MMA365 - You talked about training... how is training for UFC?

ANDERSON SILVA - I have been concentrated in Curitiba (southern city of Brazil), but I trained hard in Rio de Janeiro with Nogueira brothers, Vitor Belfort and the whole crew. But so far I have been training with my sparring mates in Curitiba. My teacher Madison, Rodrigo Vidal Joginer and with pride veteran Pel頌andy? they really kick ass.

MMA365 - Talking about Pride. Do you intend to fight there again?

ANDERSON SILVA - Well, about Pride, I always say I don't have the urge to fight there again. I proved what I had to prove and I am fine with it. Now I think I am in the right place. I am showing my work. I think I've proven all I got in Japan. If I have to fight there again, I would like to fight at K-1.

MMA365 - And about Cage Rage? You still retain a belt in England?

ANDERSON SILVA - I say Cage Rage is such a great event that supported me a lot and gave projection. But now I must seek what's better for my career and I believe in UFC.  

MMA365 - In your opinion: who are the best fighters in your division?

ANDERSON SILVA - Out of questions: Rich Franklin. But the division has such great fighters as Carlos Newton and other wrestlers. This was as major concern when I signed UFC. I knew I had to improve my wrestling and my ground skills to do a great fight against the American wrestlers.

MMA365 - You've fought in the ring and in the octagon, but did better in the octagon so far, do you prefer fighting in the cage?

ANDERSON SILVA - I adapted myself better inside the cage. But I also feel great fighting in the ring also. In the octagon, I found a way to defend myself from the wrestlers. The octagon makes harder for a striker like me, but I got well adapted.