Former UFC middleweight champion and legend returns to the octagon this Saturday at UFC 208 against Derek Brunson. In the lead-up to to this weekend, Silva’s been discussing wanting to fight lightweight champion Conor McGregor.
On paper, the fight makes no sense in the fact Silva fights mainly at 185 pounds but has fought as high as 205 pounds and McGregor fights at lightweight but has competed at featherweight and as high as welterweight.
For the UFC legend, he holds McGregor in high regard and it would be all about testing himself.
“First of all, I respect a lot Conor McGregor because this man changed everything in the UFC,” Silva told Fox Sports. “Because I’m very respectful of Conor McGregor’s style. I think it’s a great challenge for my martial arts techniques,” Silva said. “I don’t talk to disrespect Conor.
“I do it for challenge, for myself and the best stand-up fighting. I respect Conor and I think this is a great show, it’s a great fight for the rest of my life. For the rest of my story in the UFC.”
The topic of the showdown came up during “The Conor McGregor Experience” pay-per-view in Manchester, England nine days ago. McGregor responded like he only can.
“[Expletive] every one of them. You see Anderson? What’s Anderson talking about? What the [expletive] is Anderson Silva talking about? He keeps mentioning my name over and over again. Look, I’ll fight any one of them.
“Make sure the numbers are right, make sure the situation is right. I’ll fight any one of them at any given time.”
First things, first for Silva as he has Brunson standing across from him. If he can get through Brunson, would you like to see “The Spider” and the “Notorious” one get it on?
