Silva Hopes Adesanya Becomes Champ

One of the greatest to hold the UFC middleweight title, Anderson Silva, hopes the man who beat him at UFC 234, Israel Adesanya, is the next to hold the title.

“Israel is very fast, he’s young and he has a great future inside the UFC,” Silva told reporters following his unanimous decision loss to Adesanya on February 9th.

“I talk to Israel about some things, ‘Please, keep straight and don’t lose your focus, because you have amazing talent. Just keep doing.’ Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But I’m very impressed because it was two generations inside the cage. It was a great show for everyone. I’m so happy.”

With Robert Whittaker recovering from a freak hernia that pulled him and Kelvin Gastelum from the UFC 234 main event on Saturday, Silva sees Adesanya as the heir apparent to the division.

“I’m very impressed because Israel gave me a good challenge inside the cage,” Silva said.

“For a long time I don’t feel the same challenge in my life. I’m very impressed. I respect Israel. He’s a great guy and has a future in this sport and hopefully he comes to fight for the belt and win.”

Initial Report: MMAJunkie