UFC
UFC 183: Anderson Silva says he needs to speak with concerned family before deciding on fighting future
Feb 1, 2015 - 9:55:35 AM UFC 183: Anderson Silva says he needs to speak with concerned family before deciding on fighting future

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

After defeating Nick Diaz on Saturday night, Anderson Silva had a bit of an emotional breakdown in the cage, and then seemed to hint that he could be done after the win. He clarified his thoughts at the post-fight press conference, explaining that his family is urging him to stop fighting, but it's something he still loves to do.

"When I finish, I go back to [my] room, and I go call to my family. My son, Kalyl, says 'Dad, congratulations, but done. Back to home, please; no more fight,'" Silva explained. "This is my son, I need to talk to my family. I love my job, this is me, I love [fighting], but I need to talk to my family, because this is more important in my life now."

Silva said he's not ready to commit to any decision at the moment, and added that his manager Ed Soares also urged him to relax, speak with his family, and go from there. However, Silva seemed a bit distressed at the conversation he had with his son after the bout.

"Yes, I love my job, I love fighting," he responded when asked what he'd do if it was entirely up to him. "But I need to talk to my family. My son talked to me serious. When I talked to my son, my son cried 'Dad, stop, please. Back home. Please. Stop, you don't need to [fight more], please.' So I need to talk to my family. I talk serious, now."

Penick's Analysis: Honestly, if Silva walked away now, it might just be the perfect exit. He proved he could get back from that leg break, he shook off some rust, and he won another fight. He doesn't have anything left to prove or accomplish in the sport. While he may yet remain at an elite level for some time, a third fight with Chris Weidman is unnecessary, and there are other fights which could be more dangerous for him if he's not quite as good as he had been prior to those two losses. His family obviously doesn't want to see him even take that risk, and it would be right of him to hear them out. Still, the pull to compete is a strong one, and if he has that urge and that inclination to get back in the cage, ultimately he will. I think either scenario - him officially retiring or him returning later this year - are both equally likely at this point. I always enjoy watching Silva fight, but if he decides to walk away, now would be as good a time as any.

[Anderson Silva art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]