Anderson Silva Says Israel Adesanya Is Not The New Version Of Him

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Anderson Silva praised Israel Adesanya, saying that he is ‘super talented’ but he doesn’t think that Adesanya is the new Anderson Silva. Here are highlights:

On if Israel is the new version of him: “Israel is a great fighter. I think he’s super talented, he’s young, he has a brilliant future ahead in this sport. I believe he might be a version of him and he’ll become a better version of himself. I believe Israel is not my new version. But I think this fight is very interesting, because I believe this is the first time I have the opponent (with) the same style. That’s a good test for my martial arts skills.”

On his legacy: “My legacy is trying to continue. It doesn’t matter how much old or not, because old is in your mind. When people talk about, ‘Oh, you’re old’ – especially in my home, because my family, my kids say, ‘Dad, stop. You don’t need to prove nothing. Stop.’ And I say say, ‘OK, you have a dream you love, something – just do it.’ The Spider Kick team helped me a lot, and helped me with a new challenge and new energy to continue my legacy.”

On fighting after a two year absence: “I think everybody is going to see the old Anderson, but more experienced. I don’t have nothing to prove. I passed through different moments in the sport. I win, I lose. I have a lot of experience. I am just doing something for my fans. I am so happy to be back to fighting and I’m here. Every day I come to training and say, ‘Thank you God. Thank you for giving me one more opportunity to do something special.’”