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.
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!
“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.
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