Anderson Silva enjoying post-UFC venture into boxing: ‘I’m a free man’

Editor’s word: This text was initially revealed on MMAJunkie.com.

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GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Anderson Silva is having enjoyable within the newest chapter of his storied fight sports activities profession.

The previous UFC middleweight champion and all-time MMA nice will get excited on the prospect of having the ability to strive his hand in a variety of fight sports activities now that he’s now not below contract with the UFC. Silva fought his ultimate bout with the Las-Vegas primarily based promotion in October, when he headlined UFC Battle Night time 181 in opposition to Uriah Corridor.

The bout with Corridor ended a 15-year run contained in the octagon spanning 24 fights. The 46-year-old is glad he completed his contract with the UFC, as he’s now capable of dictate his future – one thing fellow MMA star Georges St-Pierre wasn’t capable of do when UFC blocked him from fighting Oscar De La Hoya in boxing.

“I put in my coronary heart and I helped put the UFC in a distinct degree,” Silva advised MMA Junkie. “In fact my period is completed within the UFC, however I simply completed (my contract) as a result of once I got here within the UFC I used to be a free man. After I come out of the UFC, I’m a free man.

“I simply wish to do one thing I like to do. And let me inform you one thing vital, no one can say one thing for you, ‘You possibly can’t do that, you possibly can’t do this.’ You are able to do all the things in your life when you’ve got ardour and love. The individuals can’t maintain you. In fact, perhaps George (St-Pierre) has contract, then he has contract, however that doesn’t make sense. Dana White doesn’t want this.”

Silva is days away from carrying out a long-time dream, which entails him leaping into the game of boxing in opposition to former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.. The 2 meet in the principle occasion of the “Tribute to the Kings” occasion on Saturday in Mexico.

The Brazilian needed to field Roy Jones Jr. years in the past earlier than the latest wave of MMA fighters crossing into the boxing world. Silva and Jones Jr. had publicly said curiosity in placing collectively the bout, however the bout by no means materialized.

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“I put (it) on the desk many, a few years in the past that chance to point out the world,” Silva stated concerning not getting the chance to field Jones Jr. “I gave the chance for the UFC to alter all the things, however it didn’t occur in the mean time and that’s wonderful. I believe now all the things is new and folks wish to see the leisure.”

Silva has his eyes set on his boxing return this Saturday, however past that, “The Spider” has no concept what lies subsequent for his profession. And that’s greater than wonderful with him.

“The whole lot is feasible,” Silva defined.”Now I’m simply attempting to problem myself. Possibly I combat on the identical card my son is combating kickboxing. Possibly combat jiu-jitsu – GI or no GI. Possibly muay-Thai. I’m very excited to go to Thailand, and practice and combat in Thailand. I don’t know. The whole lot is feasible.”

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