March 27, 2024 1:15 pm ET
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.– Bruno Silva still has brilliant memories from the night Chris Weidman scored among the most significant upsets in UFC history.
Almost 11 years after Weidman ended the longest winning streak in octagon history with a second-round knockout of Anderson Silva at UFC 162 in July 2013, Bruno Silva (23-10 MMA, 4-4 UFC) is now set to handle Weidman (15-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 54 included bout at Boardwalk Hall (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+).
The match is a dream become a reality as Weidman is a fighter who as soon as felt up until now away in regards to profession achievement.
“In July of 2013– that’s when Weidman combated Anderson for the very first time– when he knocked him out, I was still residing in Northern Brazil,” Silva informed MMA Junkie through an interpreter at Wednesday’s media day. “I was working as a security personnel. I battled in a grand prix that night in a competition. I had 2 battles that night, and I knocked out both guys. I hurried him to enjoy the Anderson Silva battle and we all saw what occurred. Eleven years later on, here I am combating that guy in a huge arena in the United States, in his area. That offers you a concept.
“It’s the greatest battle of my profession. I’m battling a guy who is a previous champ, a legend. It’s an honor. I’m actually blessed. It’s actually an honor.”
Silva has actually been enjoying Weidman because that night he initially caught gold. It’s been a rollercoaster of a trip, with Weidman losing the belt, going through a troubled losing skid and suffering among the nastiest leg breaks in MMA history in April 2021.
UFC on ESPN 54 will represent Weidman’s 2nd battle because returning from the gruesome damaged leg. He dropped a consentaneous choice to Brad Tavares at UFC 292 in August, and UFC CEO Dana White consequently pled him to retire.
Weidman, 39, decided versus that demand, nevertheless, and returns this weekend in what might be a do-or-die face-off with Silva, 34. It’s tough to determine where the previous champ is really at, however Silva is taking him seriously.
“MMA is a sport where everybody goes through low and high,” Silva stated. “It’s really couple of guys who do not go through that. I’m more careful of a skilled guy than a brand-new guy, and I’m sure he has all his weapons and all that. I’m going in there to battle Chris Weidman and to knock him out.”
As much pressure as there seems on Weidman, it’s a crucial minute for Silva, too. “Blindado” gets in the occasion on a two-fight losing skid and is 1-4 in his previous 5 battles total going back to March 2022.
“I’m not taking a look at it with a sense of seriousness like my agreement is depending upon this or that I’m on the cutting board for this battle,” Silva stated.
