Anderson Silva releases statement following TKO loss at UFC on ESPN+ 39
It seems Saturday was the last time Anderson Silva stepped in the octagon.
The former UFC middleweight champion suffered a TKO loss to Uriah Hall (16-9 MMA, 9-7 UFC) in the fourth round of the UFC on ESPN+ 39 main event in Las Vegas. It was his third consecutive defeat and the last time Silva (34-11 MMA, 17-7 UFC) fought in the UFC, at least according to UFC president Dana White.
Sunday, Silva released a statement on his defeat on his Instagram. And though the Brazilian didn’t say he’s retiring, he did reminisce on his storied run in MMA.
Good morning, my people, today is a very different day for a simple reason, and I wanted to thank you all these years with your cheerleading!
I want to thank the God for granting me the gift of the fight! Thank you my people for all understanding, for all your support and for all your amazing moments that we live in this sport together! _
I hope I left it in memory and in the heart of each of you a little of who I am, that you can overcome difficulties, every second of uncertainty and to overcome obstacles in your lives!”
Never think about giving up, as hard as things get at some point; know that I leave all my love, all my respect for you!”!
“Force and time always and God bless you all!” Thank you all, bless you, and bless you .
Silva indicated the fight with Hall could be his last, but he has yet to announce his retirement officially. The 45-year-old has one fight left on his UFC contract and White was adamant he will not let Silva step back in the cage. The UFC president went as far as saying that it would be “disgusting” for any promoter or commission to sanction and host another fight for Silva.
“The Spider” is currently 1-7 with a no contest in his past nine UFC bouts. His lone victory was a decision win over Derek Brunson in 2017.
Below is Silva’s statement on his most recent defeat:
Anderson Silva releases statement following TKO loss at UFC on ESPN+ 39
