‘I’m feeling at peace’; Anderson Silva releases statement after loss to Uriah Hall at UFC Vegas 12

This weekend saw the final UFC fight of one of the promotions, and sport of MMA’s, most thrilling figures — Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva.…

By: Tim Bissell | 3 years ago
‘I’m feeling at peace’; Anderson Silva releases statement after loss to Uriah Hall at UFC Vegas 12
Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

This weekend saw the final UFC fight of one of the promotions, and sport of MMA’s, most thrilling figures — Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva. In the main event of UFC Las Vegas 12 the former UFC middleweight champion lost to Uriah Hall by TKO, bringing his current UFC contract to a close.

UFC President Dana White has been emphatic in his messaging that he does not want to see Silva continue to fight and that he will not be offering the Brazilian further opportunities to do so inside the Octagon.

It remains unclear if no more UFC means no more MMA (or any other combat sport) for the future Hall of Famer. Days after his loss to Hall, Silva took to instagram to release a statement on what might be next.

View this post on Instagram

Bom dia meu povo, hoje é um dia bem diferente por um simples motivo, ME DESPEDIR DE UMA VIDA INTEIRA DEDICADA AO MEU ESPORTE; ontem foi tão especial quanto, subi lá para fazer o que amo, eu não imaginava que iria ficar tão feliz como eu estou, mesmo perdendo, estou com um sentimento de paz, do fundo do meu coração quero agradecer todos vocês, meu time minha família, meus amigos e todos que viram a luta; saibam que sempre foi uma grande honra lutar todos esses anos com a torcida de vocês!!! Quero agradecer a DEUS por ter me concedido o dom da luta!!! Obrigado meu povo por toda compreensão, por todo apoio de vocês e pelos incríveis momentos que juntos vivemos neste esporte!!! GRATIDÃO ETERNA A TODOS ❤️ Espero ter deixado na memória e no coração de cada um de vocês um pouco de quem eu sou, que vocês possam superar dificuldades, cada segundo de incertezas e para superar obstáculos em suas vidas!!! Nunca pensem em desistir, por mais que as coisas se tornem difíceis em algum momento; saiba que “vai passar”; deixo todo meu amor, todo todo o meu respeito para vocês!!! FORÇA e HONRA sempre e que DEUS abençoe todos vocês!!!! Gratidão a todos vocês ❤️ ❤️ DEUS abençoe 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 ❤️

A post shared by Anderson “The Spider” Silva (@spiderandersonsilva) on

Good morning, my people. Today is a different day for a simple reason, say goodbye to an entire life dedicated to my sport. Yesterday was so special, I went there to do what I love. I didn’t imagine I would be as happy as I am now. Even in defeat, I’m feeling at peace.

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, my team, my family, my friends, and everyone who watched the fight, know that it was always a great honor to fight all these years with your support.

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!

Strength and honor always and God bless you all!

(per MMA Fighting)

“Today is a different day for a simple reason, say goodbye to an entire life dedicated to my sport,” wrote Silva. “Yesterday so special, I went there to do what I love. I didn’t imagine I would be as happy as I am now. Even in defeat, I’m feeling at peace.”

Silva’s statement certainly seems to be hinting at a full retirement from the sport. However, with MMA retirements being notoriously impermanent; and with Silva himself being so unpredictable (in the cage, at least), a return to action should not be ruled out.

Share this story

About the author
Tim Bissell
Tim Bissell

Tim Bissell is a writer, editor and deputy site manager for Bloody Elbow. He has covered combat sports since 2015. Tim covers news and events and has also written longform and investigative pieces. Among Tim's specialties are the intersections between crime and combat sports. Tim has also covered head trauma, concussions and CTE in great detail.

Tim is also BE's lead (only) sumo reporter. He blogs about that sport here and on his own substack, Sumo Stomp!

Email me at tim@bloodyelbow.com. Nice messages will get a response.

More from the author

Bloody Elbow Podcast
Related Stories