Luis Henrique da Silva Discusses His Introduction to Fighting

MMAjunkie recently spoke to Luis Henrique da Silva, who is making his UFC debut at UFC 199 tonight against Jonathan Wilson. Below are some highlights. The fight card will be broadcast live on PPV, with prelims being shown on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Da Silva on tricking his family about making his debut: “I told them I was going to an event as a spectator, but I actually went there to fight.”

Da Silva on how he got introduced to fighting: “I was originally introduced to fighting by a friend who showed me a PRIDE DVD. After that, I started training jiu-jitsu on the weekends with a neighbor of ours. … I was thin, tall, lanky, with big feet. People started calling me Frankenstein. I didn’t enjoy it, and that’s why I’m stuck with the name now.”

On beating veteran Ildemar Alcantara: “Without a doubt, that fight launched my career into the major leagues, since I managed to defeat a former Jungle Fight champion and UFC veteran. That victory, without a doubt, opened the doors to the UFC for me. I think the fans are going to love our fight. I’ll also want to strike. It will be a beautiful fight. My strategy is the same as always. I’ll go for a knockout. But I’m ready for the ground too. That’s MMA – we have to be ready for everything.”