Anderson Silva Interview - MMA Ring Report
Written by F. Machado of MMARingReport.com   
Anderson Silva ThumbAfter conquering Japan and England gaining the Shooto and Cage Rage belts, Brazilian Muay Thai fighter Anderson Silva wants America. On next October 14, the fighter from Curitiba will go to war in a title fight against champion Rich Franklin, at UFC 64. The chance to fight for the belt came after the spectacular KO imposed on Chris Leben in only 49 seconds of fighting, at Ultimate Fight Night 5, which took place on June 28, at Hard Rock Café Hotel, Las Vegas. However some people may think it's a little too soon for a belt shot, Silva says he is ready. "I have a story in fighting. I've fought the best athletes in the best events in the world. I believe that chance was given to me because I deserve to win this belt", he stated during an exclusive to MMA Ring Report. Read below the full interview with the Brazilian challenger.

MMARR - What do you say about Rich Franklin?

Anderson Silva - He is a tough fighter... he is the champion. He has respect and I am going to do an intelligent fight with him. I don't know his story, so I have to be calm and do my job. I am not used to studying my opponent's game, I leave this job to my trainers... but I believe he prefers to fight on the feet.

MMARR - Some people think your title fight is too soon, once you've done only a fight at UFN... what do you think about it?

Anderson Silva - I guess I have a story in fighting. I've fought the best athletes in the best events in the world. I believe that chance was given to me because I have plenty conditions and might deserve to win this belt. I didn't ask to fight for the belt and to be honest with you, I think I would do two or three fights before getting a title shot. But they gave me this opportunity now and I will do my best to get it.

MMARR - You already retain the Cage Rage belt, right?

Anderson Silva - People forget, but in fact I have two belts. The Cage Rage and also the Shooto, which I am still unbeatable. I went to Japan and defeated Sakurai... in fact, I was the first Brazilian to defeat him and get the belt. So, I think this title came in a very good time.

MMARR - When do you travel to United States?

Anderson Silva - I will be leaving on October 7, once the event is on October 14. I also have been training hard with my trainers Madison, Joginer, Rodrigo Vidal and also with Pelé Landy, who will be fighting on September 30, in Slovenia, at WFC 2.

MMARR - Tell me more about your training...

Anderson Silva - In the morning I run around 40 minutes to be not gassy and then I train Jiu-Jitsu. In the afternoon I work out and at night I train Vale-Tudo. Two times a week I also do my physical training and I am evaluated by a specialist.

MMARR - So, Rich Franklin game is very dangerous on the feet and he might smash you with GnP. What are you planning to do?

Anderson Silva - I don't usually think about that previously. At the time I will decide. If he decides to fight on the ground I will try to take from him his belt as the same he decided to keep the fight on the feet. It doesn't matter how, I am going to do my best to take this belt to Brazil.

MMARR - You've watched Pride on the TV. You already trained with both Wanderlei Silva and Rodrigo Minotauro. What happened to them?

Anderson Silva - Talking about loses, in my opinion Rodrigo Minotauro didn't lose. For me pride wanted to get an American fighter in the final. About Wanderlei, I think he should had gave up the fight earlier, because it's important to preserve the physical integrity of the athlete. He shouldn't keep fighter after the first knock-down. But he is a great fighter and this loss does not erase what he has done for the sport.

MMARR - So, Royce Gracie was defeated by Hughes, Babalú was KO'd by Liddell, Silva and Nogueira were defeated at Pride. And now you will fight for a belt. Are those loses bother you? Increases the responsibility to win?

Anderson Silva - It does not increase the pressure. I have been doing a different work. In my opinion, fighting people should care less about the team rivalry. I came from the other side and now I am pleased to fight with fighters as Nogueira brothers and BTT fighters and I am aware of my job. I will try to take this belt and I have the will to bring it. To be honest, the bigger responsibility is his. He must be concerned in retain the belt.

MMARR - And about Paulo Filho at Pride Welterweight GP… do you think he is going to win?

Anderson Silva - Paulão is going to win. It's time for him to get a belt. He deserves it for a while and to be honest I don't think there is a fighter good enough to beat him nowadays.
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