Anderson Silva Sent Ronda Rousey Support After Her First Loss

Anderson Silva spoke with Combate News (via MMAjunkie) talking about Ronda Rousey’s losses and more. Some highlights below:

On the pressure that comes with losses: “I always dealt very well with defeat, because I’ve had defeats early in my career at a time I couldn’t lose. If I lost, I couldn’t provide for my daughter and put money in the house. So losses are part of it. People need to understand that athletes train very hard to go up there. They train for four, five months. I, for one, at the time when I had the title for eight years, if during all those … years I was champion, if I spent … 10 days with my family, it’s a lot – because I was 100 percent dedicated to fighting and to giving it to my best, to bring some joy to the people. So when something like this happens, of people spray painting, criticizing, calling names, these people need to think about that. Because we’re there to do our jobs and show this work that’s not only ours, but also from a team that dedicated themselves for months.”

On sending Rousey words of support: “After her first loss, I sent her a message. Right then, I posted something on social media motivating her. I think regardless of what happened and what will happen in your life, you need to keep your head up because what you did will stay in history. Regardless of wins or losses, you need to care about what you see as the most important in your life. I hope 2017 is a year of many wins for you and new accomplishments, and that if you keep fighting, that you return well. The way I see it, personally and technically as a fighter, pick your opponents better when you return. Don’t fight someone who’s as active as the champ. I think it was the wrong strategy. I hope you come back. You’re a great athlete. God bless you.”

On people who questioned her focus and dedication: “Ronda, when she did the movies, she had time to prepare to fight. It happens. She didn’t fight for a long time, so you lose rhythm, and that gets in the way. Not to take anything away from (Nunes); she’s having a great moment, and I hope she keeps winning every fight they put in front of her and that she’s the champion for the rest of her career. But as for Ronda, it happens. These are things that happen. It’s not like, ‘Oh, she should have lost because she’s arrogant.’ No. It happens. You get up there, and you can either win or lose. It’s natural. People need to understand that.”