Anderson Silva has yet to confirm that he’ll never fight again, but the way Dana White sees it, UFC Vegas 12 demonstrated it’s time for the legend to hang up the gloves. Conor McGregor, however, disagrees.
White says Silva “should never fight again”
When Silva was booked to fight Hall at UFC Vegas 12, White relayed that he expected it would be the legend’s final fight. But, as the bout approached, there was confusion over whether Silva was in fact, planning to retire.
The former middleweight champ said the bout would be his last UFC fight, but he also said he still wants to compete. Following his stoppage loss to Hall on Saturday, Silva once again, stopped short of saying he’s retiring.
During the post-fight press conference, however, White made it crystal clear how he feels about the situation (quotes via MMA Junkie).
“He fought a guy that has absolutely zero output,” White said. “They’re in a five-round main event on ESPN and they threw (expletive) 11 punches in the second round.
You fight any of these other savages, he’ll be in big trouble, and he’ll take a (expletive)load of punishment.
Uriah Hall threw 11 punches in the second round. Uriah Hall is one of the most gun-shy fighters in the UFC.
“And look at Anderson. When the fight was over, he couldn’t even stand up to do his interview.
He had to sit down and do an interview. I made a big mistake and I shouldn’t have let him fight this fight tonight.
He’s a legend of this sport and he’s a legend of this company, and I did something I disagreed with.
I knew I was right, and tonight proved I was right, and Anderson Silva should never fight again.”
McGregor has a different take
After Silva’s loss, McGregor was asked for his opinion on whether the 45-year-old Silva should hang ’em up, and the star tweeted this.
Sad to see tonight, but I say keep going! Real fighters never lose that fire so why try to force it out? Simply put time into finding the correct competition and continue on. The right competition is out there, for all levels and ages. Find it and do what you love to do! Forever!
Sad to see tonight, but I say keep going! Real fighters never lose that fire so why try to force it out? Simply put time into finding the correct competition and continue on. The right competition is out there, for all levels and ages. Find it and do what you love to do! Forever! https://t.co/qFvPtCQuVE
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 1, 2020
So, it will be pretty interesting to see what happens here. Silva does have one bout left on his UFC contract, but given White’s comments, it wouldn’t be surprising if the UFC just releases the legend.
If that happens, and Silva does decide to keep fighting, there’s no question he’ll receive offers. Even though he’s gone 2-7, with 1 no-contest in his last 10 bouts and has just one official win on his record since 2012.