Anderson Silva said he does not retiring from UFC and compared it to a letter of manumission, a document that was given or sold to a slave by its owner, a symbol of liberation.
The former UFC middleweight champion retired from MMA in October 2020, when he was knocked out by Jamaican Uriah Hall.
“It was a gift that I got to have left the UFC, to have left the contract. It was a great learning experience to know what to do and what not to do.” Silva said.
“What do I have to do here? Now I am master of my destiny, the letter of manumission was signed What do I have to do now? What is wrong and what is right? How is Anderson’s image as a brand? How is Anderson’s image as an athlete? How is Anderson’s image outside of fights?” Silva added.
Venturing into the boxing world since retiring from MMA, Silva will have his next fight on October 29, against Jake Paul, in Phoenix, at the Gila River Arena, USA.
According to report, the bout will be contested at a combined weight of 187 pounds (84.8 kg), with an expected duration of eight rounds.
Despite being a rival, Silva heaped praises the work done by brothers Paul, Jake and Logan, in boxing and the criticism they have leveled at UFC fighter payouts.
“People really like to criticise who is doing it. The kids have opened up a very big question mark about combat sports.” Silva said.
“And it’s opening a lot of people’s minds, opening a lot of people’s heads that are stuck in contracts and situations you own your pass? The kids are doing their job and doing a good job,” he added.
In interviews to promote the fight, Jake Paul said that he believes Silva will have the biggest payout of his career at age 47 in the fight against him.
